In an extraordinary move that resonates with historical struggles for justice and democracy, the PTI has launched a poignant campaign urging citizens to express their solidarity with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who currently finds himself behind bars.
The initiative encourages the nation to put pen to paper and write letters to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, not only to show support for his cause but also to emphasize the importance of free expression and democratic values in the face of challenging times.
PTI has urged the nation to share their hand-written letters on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag “Letters to Imran Khan”, which has become one of the top trends on X in Pakistan.
Dear #PakistanFamily,
We have started writing letters to Imran Khan to express how much we admire him & how we feel about him being in jail.If you'd like us to share your letter with him, share picture of the letter by quote tweeting this tweet & using #LetterToImranKhan HT pic.twitter.com/hzWKU77Ciw
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 23, 2023
The PTI’s call for citizens to write letters to Imran Khan while he is in jail symbolizes the nation’s collective support for the leader. History has witnessed numerous instances where leaders and activists have been incarcerated for their convictions and their time in jail transformed them into iconic symbols of resistance and justice.
Read more: Report Unveils Grotesque Nature of Psychological Violence on Imran Khan
Similarly, Imran Khan’s current situation has spurred a campaign that not only advocates for his release but also underscores the larger ideals of democracy and human rights.
"We [Pakistanis] did something right to deserve you. You teach by walking the talk, not just statements. We promise you Kaptaan that our best is yet to come. Waiting anxiously for your release"
My #LetterToImranKhan dated August 23, 2023! pic.twitter.com/T3t3PB761x
— Jibran Ilyas (@agentjay2009) August 24, 2023
PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently serving a three-year sentence in Attock jail after being convicted in the Toshakhana reference. The ousted premier was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case on August 5.
Read more: Pakistan court to hear jailed Imran Khan’s plea against conviction
A district and sessions court in the federal capital convicted the former prime minister for corrupt practices related to the state gift depository. The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad.
The PTI has claimed since Imran’s arrest that he was being kept in “distressing conditions” and provided “C-Class jail facilities”.