ISLAMABAD: (HRNW) Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja has announced that the party will observe a nationwide Black Day and stage peaceful protests across the country on August 5, marking what he described as three years of the “unjust imprisonment” of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
Calling on supporters and the public to exercise their constitutional and democratic rights, Mr Raja urged citizens to participate peacefully in the demonstrations and raise their voices in support of constitutional rule, democracy and the supremacy of the people’s mandate.
He said Imran Khan’s three-year detention had become a symbol of “injustice, political repression and attacks on the public mandate.” Referring to the February 8, 2024 general elections, he claimed that despite arrests, political restrictions, the withdrawal of PTI’s election symbol and other obstacles, the electorate had voted in favour of the party. However, he alleged that the public mandate was altered through “Form 47”, accusing the present political setup of being founded on electoral manipulation rather than the will of the people.
Mr Raja further alleged that those responsible for undermining democracy, the Constitution, judicial independence and the electoral process would ultimately be held accountable. He said attempts to suppress the public’s fundamental rights and disregard the value of the people’s vote could not continue indefinitely.
Highlighting constitutional protections, he said Articles 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the Constitution guaranteed citizens the rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, political association and freedom of expression. He urged the public to exercise these rights peacefully and within the framework of the law.
The PTI secretary general maintained that the party’s political movement would continue through constitutional and democratic means. Referring to recent public gatherings in Islamabad, he claimed they demonstrated continued public support for constitutional governance and representative democracy.
Addressing the country’s economic situation, Barrester Salman Akram Raja said Pakistan is facing a deep economic crisis marked by factory closures, rising unemployment and inflation, while many citizens lacked access to quality healthcare, education and other essential services. He also described the agricultural sector as being in serious difficulty, calling for transparent accountability over the wheat crisis and alleged hoarding to safeguard the rights of farmers and consumers.
Mr Raja said the August 5 protests would mark the beginning of a broader campaign for the protection of the Constitution, democracy, the public mandate and fundamental rights. He asserted that any future constitutional amendment should require the participation of elected representatives and broad national consensus, arguing that constitutional changes must reflect the will of the people.
He added that PTI’s leadership and workers would continue their struggle for constitutional supremacy, justice and democracy despite arrests and political pressure. Calling the people “the true custodians of Pakistan”, he urged citizens to unite for the protection of the Constitution, democratic values and the state.
Announcing an expanded public mobilisation campaign across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country, Mr Raja said PTI would hold protests nationwide on August 5. He concluded by urging supporters to continue what he described as a peaceful and constitutional struggle, expressing confidence that “truth would ultimately prevail over falsehood.”
Issued by: Media Coordinator, Secretary General PTI
