Imran Khan Urges PTI Unity Ahead of August 5 Protest

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RAWALPINDI — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has urged all party members to set aside internal divisions and unite ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for August 5.

In a message dated July 22 from Adiala Jail, Khan expressed concern over infighting within PTI, describing it as harmful during what he called a critical period for the country. He warned that any member engaging in factional behavior would be expelled from the party. Emphasizing unity, he stated that the personal sacrifices he made were not for individual gain but for the future of Pakistan. “Creating divisions within the party at this time is a betrayal of my mission,” he said.

Khan also criticized the current government, which he claimed was formed through “Form 47” manipulation, and accused it of undermining judicial independence by introducing the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He alleged that biased court rulings were becoming more common and called for a strong campaign to ensure an independent judiciary.

Referring to the February 8 general elections, Khan said the public had expressed confidence in PTI candidates even though the party did not have access to its official electoral symbol. He encouraged PTI leaders and supporters to serve as the voice of the people and protect their mandate.

Khan compared his imprisonment to the treatment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, claiming Sharif received lenient conditions despite facing serious corruption charges. He further stated that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was being held in what he described as inhumane conditions, which he said was unprecedented for a political leader’s spouse.

He added that his sentence was the harshest given to any political leader in Pakistan’s history and said he was being punished for upholding the Constitution.

On July 25, Judge Shahrukh Arjumand of the Special Central FIA Court adjourned the Toshakhana-II case involving Khan and Bushra Bibi until July 26. The hearing took place inside Adiala Jail.

Following the proceedings, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, and Senator Ali Zafar told reporters that the trial should be declared null and void due to its closed-door nature. They also confirmed that Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, plan to visit him, and that a petition will be filed in the Islamabad High Court to ensure they are granted visitation rights.