Thousands in Pakistan Rally for Imran Khan’s Release on Arrest Anniversary

Over 10,000 supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan gathered yesterday, August 5, in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to mark the anniversary of his arrest and demand his release, Arab News reported today.

The rally, organized by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is one of the largest protests since his ousting in 2022. Demonstrators waved party flags and chanted slogans, while top leaders expressed optimism about Khan’s imminent return.

Ali Amin Gundapur, the provincial chief minister, urged supporters to prepare for a march on Islamabad, signaling plans for a major protest in the capital soon. Khan was sentenced to three years in prison in a graft case on August 5, 2023, but many of his convictions have been suspended or overturned. Despite this, he remains incarcerated as he faces additional charges, which his party claims are politically motivated. The government denies these allegations, asserting Khan has received a fair trial.