RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD:
As Imran Khan digs in his heels and refuses forensic tests under increasing pressure, the PTI party launched a three-hour “symbolic hunger strike” outside Parliament on Tuesday to take a stand against what they allege is a relentless campaign of harassment and victimisation.
The PTI demanded the National Assembly speaker’s intervention over actions against the party and its leaders.
The protest, led by prominent PTI figures including Asad Qaiser, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and Ali Muhammad Khan, saw leaders sitting outside Parliament, voicing their discontent with what they described as ongoing victimisation.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan resisted attempts by the Lahore police to subject him to polygraph, voice matching, and photogrammetry tests.
“I am under scrutiny by multiple institutions and won’t undergo any tests for now. I’ll give the police time later for these tests,” he declared, rebuffing the Punjab Forensic Science Agency’s experts.
The first leg of the investigation led by DSP Javed Asif has wrapped up.
The investigative team paid a visit to Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is held. Initially, the PTI chairman clammed up, citing distrust in the police.
DSP Javed Asif then appealed to Imran, assuring him that justice would be served. Following this assurance, the PTI founder broke his silence and responded to questions for about 15 minutes.
Hunger strike
Speaking to the media, Asad Qaiser defended the PTI’s three-hour “symbolic hunger strike,” labelling it a “local protest” to stand firm against what he termed as ongoing victimisation.
“We’re aiming to keep things on an even keel and avoid any unnecessary flare-ups,” Qaiser explained, seated outside Parliament. “But with the relentless campaign against us, pressure on our MNAs, and attempts to undermine their loyalty, what choice do we have but to protest?”
Qaiser emphasised that the hunger strike was a peaceful stand against undue pressure and threats faced by PTI lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan asserted that no special permission was needed for such protests within Parliament premises.
“This is our right as parliamentarians. We can voice our opinions freely here,” he stated, underscoring that the protest was a stand against “injustice, unfairness, and unconstitutional actions” affecting PTI.
Gohar also noted that the sit-in was a commitment to uphold the law and constitution, despite concerns over some “strangers” in parliamentary positions.
Earlier, the announcement for the strike was made by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
“We are initiating a hunger strike camp for the release of our founder chairman Imran Khan and other leaders who have been incarcerated, including our social media activists. This camp will operate in rotation, with our assembly members actively participating,” Barrister Gohar stated while addressing the media.
He highlighted that government agencies had demanded a 10-day physical remand for PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan and several other party workers.
“We have petitioned the court to release Raoof Hasan and other detained workers. At 75 years old, Raoof is battling cancer, and his health condition necessitates his immediate discharge from custody,” he emphasised.
Barrister Gohar said aggressive tactics were employed by law enforcement agencies during a raid on the PTI central secretariat.
“The officials seized individuals present for reserved seats for minorities and confiscated all office equipment, including computers, laptops, LED TVs, and even a water dispenser,” he revealed.
He pointed out that the ongoing actions against PTI were attempts to thwart the implementation of a Supreme Court’s verdict regarding reserved seats.
“All five inquiries initiated against the party have concluded without any substantial results. PTI will continue to uphold the supremacy of the law and the constitution. These efforts to undermine us will ultimately fail,” he asserted.
Barrister Gohar urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to ensure the apex court’s decision is implemented. He mentioned a scheduled meeting with the National Assembly speaker to discuss these pressing issues.
He also condemned a recent statement by the Indian army chief, reiterating the strength and resilience of the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the nation.
Following the PTI chairman’s announcement, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar also declared the establishment of a hunger strike camp outside the provincial assembly.
“The camp will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm, in solidarity with our founder chairman Imran Khan and other detained leaders,” he announced.
Speaking to the media, Bhachar elaborated on the symbolic nature of the hunger strike, aimed at protesting the arrests of party leaders and social media activists and addressing rising inflation.
“All opposition members in the Punjab Assembly will participate in this hunger strike camp as a form of protest against the government’s harsh actions,” he stated.
PTI parliamentarians pledged their full support for the hunger strike, condemning the government’s actions. Prominent PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and other members of parliament, have also committed to participating in the hunger strike.
