Imran’s party demands his release, holds rally

Jailed former premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Sunday held a power show, demanding his “immediate release” while slamming the government for its crackdown on the party as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

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The rally was held near Sangjani Cattle Market in the suburbs of Islamabad after the capital administration issued a no-objection certificate (NOC).

Thousands of Khan’s supporters attended the rally, proving that the party’s power base was intact despite several hurdles it faced, including the incarceration of its 71-year-old founder. Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then, he has been in jail in different cases. On Sunday, Khan completed 400 days in prison.

The rally was scheduled to end at 7 pm (local time) as per the NOC. As soon as the deadline ended, the district administration directed the police to take action against the rally-goers for not complying with the NOC.

The authorities stated that the organisers violated the rules and regulations by not concluding the gathering before the deadline.

In response to the crackdown, PTI workers began pelting stones at police, injuring many security personnel. Several akistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders addressed the gathering, demanding Khan’s immediate release.