PTI’s Salman Akram Raja calls for Aug 5 protest, alleges wheat crisis and political victimisation

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Saturday accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement and political victimisation, urging citizens to participate in the party’s August 5 protest.

Addressing a news conference, Raja criticised the government’s handling of basic commodities, fuel prices and public expenditure, while reaffirming the party’s resolve to continue what he described as its struggle for public rights.

Raja expressed concern over the agricultural crisis, alleging that between four million and 4.5 million metric tonnes of wheat, potentially rising to five million metric tonnes, had gone missing due to government negligence and alleged collusion with hoarders.

“These hoarders enjoy full state patronage while the direct burden falls on the poor,” he said, adding that the current system had launched what he described as a direct assault on the public’s wellbeing and health.

On fuel prices, Raja rejected the government’s explanation that domestic petrol prices were merely following international trends. He pointed to neighbouring countries where, he claimed, prices had remained stable, and criticised the failure to maintain national petroleum reserves, calling it an example of bad governance.

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He also claimed that Punjab had provided Rs806 billion to the federation, funds he said were originally meant for health and education, while successive fuel price increases continued to burden citizens.

Raja also criticised what he described as differences in the treatment of political leaders in prison, saying PTI founder Imran Khan remained confined to a small cell for speaking up for the public.

He said Imran had been offered a transfer to his residence in Bani Gala but had chosen to remain in jail to maintain his stance alongside the people.

Reiterating the party’s plans, Raja urged citizens to peacefully take to the streets on August 5 and raise slogans for freedom. He predicted that a turnout of 10 million people would bring an end to the current system.

He said PTI leader Sohail Afridi was expected to make key announcements regarding the August 5 protest strategy.

Also Read: PTI slams fuel price hike, wheat crisis

Raja also announced that PTI would appeal against the dismissal of the November 26 case, alleging that witnesses had been subjected to tampering and pressure tactics. He said the party would continue to fight what he described as a political case on the streets.

He reiterated that PTI leaders remained committed to Imran’s narrative and would continue to demand democracy, transparency and civil liberties.