Imran Khan urges PTI unity for August 5 rally
Imran Khan, the incarcerated leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called on his party members to set aside internal differences and focus on the movement planned for August 5, marking the anniversary of his arrest.
He expressed concern that there is currently no meaningful momentum behind the initiative and warned that party unity is vital at this crucial juncture. In a message released from Adiala Jail on Thursday, Khan addressed the PTI, emphasising the importance of unity.
'Let me make this absolutely clear, every member of the party must immediately set aside all internal differences and focus solely on the movement planned for August 5th. I do not see any meaningful momentum building behind this initiative at present. I am waging a battle against a 78-year-old system, and my greatest success is that despite unprecedented oppression, the public stands firmly with me,' he stated.
Important Message from Former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail - 22 July 2025
'Never in the history of Pakistan has any political leader been subjected to the treatment that I am currently enduring. Nawaz Sharif committed corruption worth billions and was nevertheless… — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 24, 2025
Khan recalled the February 8 elections, when the people of Pakistan expressed their trust in PTI despite the party's lack of an electoral symbol.
'After such a clear mandate, it is the moral and political responsibility of every party member to become the voice of the people. It will be nothing short of disgraceful and condemnable if PTI leaders waste time on internal conflicts at this critical juncture,' he said.
He issued a stern warning to party members against engaging in factionalism, calling such actions a betrayal of his mission. 'Anyone found engaging in factionalism within the party will be expelled. I am fighting for the future of our generations, and every sacrifice I make is for that cause. To create rifts within the party at this time would be a direct betrayal of my mission and vision,' Khan emphasised.
Read More: PTI faces internal rift over August 5 protest plans
In a scathing critique of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Khan accused the government of using the amendment as a tool to cripple Pakistan's judiciary. He decried the recent decisions made by biased judges.
'The so-called government formed through Form 47 has crippled the judiciary through the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The way biased judges are now delivering blatantly unjust verdicts under these courts is visible to the entire nation. We must launch a robust campaign to liberate the judiciary, for no nation can survive, let alone progress, without judicial independence,' he stated.
Khan also highlighted the treatment he has faced during his imprisonment, comparing his harsh conditions to the treatment given to other political leaders.
'Never in the history of Pakistan has any political leader been subjected to the treatment that I am currently enduring. Nawaz Sharif committed corruption worth billions and was nevertheless granted every possible comfort in prison,' he said. He also noted the inhumane treatment of his wife, Bushra Bibi, who has been imprisoned under harsh conditions.
Also Read: PTI slams May 9 ruling as bid to disrupt August 5 rally
In his message, Khan detailed the numerous hardships he faces in prison, describing the conditions as oppressive. 'I am enduring the harshest prison term in the country's history solely for the supremacy of the Constitution and in service of my nation. The level of oppression and authoritarianism is such that even the water I have for ablution is filthy and contaminated with dirt, unfit for any human being. Books sent to me by my family have been withheld for months. Access to television and newspapers has also been suspended,' he said.
Khan further expressed frustration over the violation of his basic human rights. 'All my basic human rights have been violated. Even the minimum facilities accorded to ordinary prisoners under the law and the jail manual are denied to me. Despite repeated requests, I have not been allowed to speak to my children. Political meetings have also been restricted; I am only permitted to meet certain 'choice individuals', while all other interactions are barred,' he added.
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