Islamabad: In a high-stakes escalation that could rock Pakistan’s fragile power equilibrium, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has unveiled a three-pronged offensive to secure the release of its incarcerated founder, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
With Army Chief General Asim Munir squarely in the crosshairs, PTI leaders vow an all-out confrontation, blending legal salvos, street mobilisations, and parliamentary parleys to dismantle what they describe as a military-orchestrated stranglehold.
Interim PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan laid bare the battle plan, designating senior leader Mahmood Achakzai— freshly anointed as Opposition head in the National Assembly — to spearhead backchannel diplomacy with the government.
On the fiery frontlines, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Soheil Afridi, handpicked by Khan in October to helm provincial operations, is priming mass protests. Afridi’s recent November 27 sit-in outside Adiala erupted into scuffles with police, where he thundered a stark ultimatum: “Release Imran Khan forthwith, or face unrelenting fury from the streets.”
The judicial flank falls to Khan’s indomitable sisters, who have long shouldered the family’s legal burdens. On this very day, Aleema Khan stormed the Islamabad High Court, filing a contempt petition against jail officials for flouting orders and barring her visit. “The Information Minister’s false claim that Imran’s messages reach the outside world is a sham,” she asserted, demanding unhindered access.
Meanwhile, Khan’s son, Qasim, has amplified the clamour on social media, posting a chilling warning: “If harm befalls my father, the government and Army Chief Asim Munir will answer to the nation.” He insisted on immediate health disclosures and family meetings.
PTI eyes a mega rally near the capital by mid-December, pending permissions, as Gohar signals “no holds barred” against Munir’s regime.
This strategic combination of legal tenacity, protest fervour, and legislative leverage demonstrates PTI’s unwavering determination, which could potentially ignite a volatile situation in a nation already grappling with economic challenges and political resentment.
As Adiala’s iron gates loom large, the question hangs: will this multi-front maelstrom topple the army’s throne or forge a fiercer crackdown?