In a major development, PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced a “Jail Bharo Movement” in response to the recent arrests of PTI leaders.
While addressing the nation via video link, Imran Khan said that the members of the PTI and its supporters were being targeted in revenge activities.
“We are not afraid of arrests,” he said.
Imran Khan lamented that there is no rule of law in Pakistan and there is no guarantee for the people’s safety. He also highlighted the dire economic conditions of the country.
Imran Khan then recalled the cases were made against Shahbaz Gill, Azam Swati, and Fawad Chaudry. Azam Swati was tortured in front of his children and granddaughters, Fawad Chaudhry was arrested at 4 am and those who spoke against the regime change were oppressed, the PTI Chief said.
Read more: Fawad Chaudhry cries while talking about meeting children in jail
On this occasion, Imran Khan announced the Jail Bharo Tehreek and said that the government has made a plan to put me in jail, their plan is to weaken the Tehreek-e-Insaaf, workers and the nation should prepare for the Jail Bharo Tehreek and everyone should wait.
The former Prime Minister said that if PTI wanted, it could have called a nationwide strike which is within the democratic norms. However, such a move would have destroyed the economy of Pakistan. Therefore, a Jail Bharo Movement will be launched instead where PTI workers will fill the jails voluntarily.
“I will give the call and we will fill the jails of Pakistan to fulfill their desire,” Imran Khan said.
#جیل_بھرو_تحریک شروع کرنے کا اعلان pic.twitter.com/vcFHpXFw5B
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 4, 2023
Imran Khan’s unprecedented announcement comes amid the recent arrests of key PTI leaders and its allies. Cases of sedition were filed against Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill, meanwhile PTI senator Azam Swati was arrested in the case of a controversial tweet.
Shahbaz Gill and Azam Swati made of claims of custodial torture which had alarmed the nation. Recently, PTI ally Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid has been arrested in a sedition case. He too claimed torture and said his life was in danger.
Read more: Sheikh Rashid challenges order to vacate Lal Haveli