Lahore: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has announced a sit-in and peaceful protest outside Adiala Jail, opposing what it calls the solitary confinement of its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, and restrictions on his family’s access to him.
The decision was taken during a PTI Punjab meeting chaired by Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza Malik and attended by key party figures, including Punjab President Hammad Azhar and Provincial Information Secretary Shaukat Basra. The party leadership resolved to consult its core committee, political committee, as well as Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, regarding the demonstration.
The meeting denounced the Punjab government’s alleged mistreatment of Khan, with PTI deciding that its legislators and ticket-holders would take part in the sit-in on a rotational basis.
Hammad Azhar took to social media to criticize the military establishment, accusing it of harming the country’s politics, economy, and institutions. He demanded that the military retreat to its barracks and allow the people to govern. Azhar also slammed what he termed as fake FIRs against party members and criticized the Punjab government’s economic policies.
Aliya Hamza Malik condemned police actions against PTI leaders and workers, alleging violations of privacy and mistreatment of women during raids. She vowed that the party would take legal action against officers involved in such operations.
Shaukat Basra echoed these sentiments, alleging that the current government was suppressing PTI while burdening citizens with excessive taxes and high utility bills. He claimed that the administration would eventually be held accountable for its actions.
Separately, PTI has moved the Lahore High Court, seeking permission for a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.
Senior Vice President Akmal Khan Bari filed a petition through Advocate Sardar Khurram Latif Khosa, arguing that the deputy commissioner had not responded to their formal request for the event. The petition emphasized that March 23 is of national significance, and PTI wished to commemorate the occasion.
The plea urged the court to direct authorities not to harass or intimidate PTI members and to ensure a fair decision on their request in accordance with constitutional rights.
Justice Farooq Haider is set to hear the petition on February 24 as an objection case.
