PTI won't recontest disqualified seats: Imran

Imran Khan gives call for another protest on August 14

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) patron-in-chief Imran Khan on Wednesday said no candidates would be fielded on the seats left vacant by disqualified party members, saying the disqualifications were carried out through "unlawful means".

This was revealed by Imran's sister, Aleema Khan, who spoke to the media outside Adiala Jail. She said her sister Uzma Khan was allowed to meet Imran and her wife Bushra Bibi.

Aleema quoted Imran as saying that he was pleased with the public turnout during the Aug 5 protests despite what he described as "state oppression and intimidation". "He expressed gratitude to the people for standing up in the face of injustice," she added, noting that Imran was particularly encouraged by demonstrations held in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

The PTI patron-in-chief reportedly remarked that past dictators did not resort to the kind of oppression being seen today, drawing a parallel with General Yahya Khan. "Even Yahya divided the country for power, and today the media has been silenced," Aleema quoted Imran as saying. "Freedom always demands sacrifice."

Aleema said the former premier has given a new protest call for Aug 14, urging the public to rise for "true freedom" and "rule of law", adding that Imran urged his party leadership not to fear arrests or imprisonment.

Imran also sent a message to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, demanding an end to ongoing security operations in tribal districts.

"Operation is being carried out to breed resentment against PTI," Aleema quoted Imran as saying, adding that the issues should be resolved through jirgas.

If Ali Amin Gandapur cannot stop the operation, then he should think what should be done, Imran said as stated by her sister.

The PTI patron-in-chief further said no candidates would be fielded on the seats left vacant by disqualified party members, noting that the disqualifications were carried out through "unlawful means".