Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, from solitary confinement in Adiala Jail, called for a nationwide protest movement to peak on August 5, marking two years since his detention, and rejected further government talks.
During a meeting with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Imran Khan stated, “The time for negotiations has passed.” He referenced the impact of the 26th Constitutional Amendment on judicial independence and called for a “Second Pakistan Movement” to take place on August 5, 2025, aimed at protesting against “puppet rulers,” as per @ImranKhanPTI (X). Gohar confirmed that PTI plans to hold peaceful protests, emphasising the involvement of citizens.
“جب ایک قوم اپنے حق کے لیے خود کھڑی ہو جاتی ہے پھر اس کو کوئی طاقت جھکا نہیں سکتی۔ میں جیل میں بھی آزاد ہوں مگر میری قوم باہر ایک ایسی قید میں ہے جہاں نہ آزاد عدلیہ ہے نہ آزاد جمہوریت نہ ہی آزاد میڈیا۔ تمام پاکستانیوں کو اب اپنی حقیقی آزادی کے لیے باہر نکلنا ہو گا!!
دو سال سے…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 8, 2025Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, described his experience in solitary confinement, highlighting the removal of newspapers, books, and television, as well as the denial of access to his physician for ten months. Bushra Bibi is facing similar isolation, with no visitors or exposure to sunlight. Aleema questioned, “What threat do books pose?” suggesting that this is a deliberate attempt to mistreat him and undermine the spirit of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The UN’s call for Khan’s release in July 2024 noted concerns about his arbitrary detention.
Advisor to PM Rana Sanaullah issues threat against former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons.
This alarming statement was made shortly after Aleema Khan announced in a press conference that Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, are planning to visit Pakistan; especially since… pic.twitter.com/UdJofXvQnt
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 8, 2025Gohar disclosed that Imran has rejected government offers for negotiations, insisting on justice in the Al-Qadir Trust case, where both he and Bushra are facing sentences of 14 and seven years, respectively. Aleema mentioned that Imran’s sons, Qasim and Suleiman, are set to participate in rallies in the U.S. before joining protests back home. Critics argue that the PTI’s strategy is divisive, while supporters, with 60% backing for Khan according to Gallup Pakistan, see it as a struggle for democracy.
Imran Khan’s call for protests, expected to affect 220 million Pakistanis, is increasing tensions in a politically unstable nation. Amid regional challenges such as monsoon floods, Khan’s movement has the potential to reshape the governance narrative in Pakistan, posing a challenge to the stability of the $350 billion economy.
