Imran Khan calls for mass rally in Peshawar on September 27

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has called on the public to attend the mass rally, scheduled for September 27 in Peshawar, describing it as a demonstration for the nation’s freedom.

The PTI leadership in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has declared its upcoming September 27 rally in Peshawar a milestone in the push for the release of its jailed party founder. The rally is scheduled to be held near Ring Road Motorway Chowk in Peshawar, beginning at 4 pm.

“The media’s voice has been strangled. This rally is for the nation’s freedom. The party has been instructed to make it a success,” said Aleema on Monday while speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, conveying her brother’s message. She said that Imran had assigned responsibility for the rally to PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Junaid Akbar.

PTI has appointed the chief minister’s spokesman, Faraz Mughal, as the focal person for the rally. Party leaders have described the upcoming gathering as a call for Imran’s release as well as a landmark moment in the ‘movement for real freedom’.

“We are united for Imran Khan’s release. The Peshawar rally will make history. This gathering is a continuation of the struggle for real freedom. Under Imran Khan’s leadership, the nation is fighting for its rights. Everyone must unite to strengthen this movement,” CM Gandapur told reporters.

“The grand rally in Peshawar will be a historic chapter for PTI. When a nation is united, no power can block its path to freedom. This movement is for the people’s future and the establishment of justice. The release of Imran Khan is our destination, and the Peshawar rally will be a milestone in the struggle for real freedom,” he added.

The announcement came during a meeting chaired by CM Gandapur. PTI committee members of Peshawar district attended the session, which finalised arrangements and strategy for the gathering.

Aleema Khan speaks to media outside Adiala Jail

Aleema noted: “He has said the agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is very important, and that Pakistan must keep its global links strong. He also said that protecting the holy mosques is an honour for us,” quoting the party founder. She further stated that the former prime minister also pointed to developments in the Toshakhana case.

“One witness has been proven false. The case should end on the basis of false testimony. The former military secretary also declared all documents valid. It seems the case could conclude in the next two or three hearings,” she added. She expressed hope that both Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, would be released.

The PTI founder reiterated his claim that his party had won two-thirds majority but votes were stolen. “Our votes were stolen and given to thieves. Convicted people have been imposed on the nation. Morality has been buried in Pakistan. The 26th Amendment has completely suppressed the judiciary,” Aleema quoted party chief as saying.

Imran praised judges who, he said, had stood up for the rule of law, calling them “heroes of the nation.” She said, Khan has asked his lawyers and party members not to engage with the military establishment.

“For three years we tried for dialogue, but instead, our party was further suppressed. There is no benefit in talks. Whoever wants to talk, should come to jail,” she quoted Imran as saying.

Imran Khan’s arrest and May 9 riots

On May 9, 2023, Imran Khan was arrested. Following his arrest, riots erupted nationwide, with party leaders and workers staging protests that targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.

Also Read: SC grants Imran Khan bail in eight May 9 cases

In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons.

The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.

Toshakhana 2.0 case

In 2024, a special court on formally indicted Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana 2.0 case case.

Bushra Bibi received a Bulgari jewelry set during a visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10, 2021. The jewelry set included a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, and a pair of earrings. During the investigation for the reference, it was found that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi illegally retained the Bulgari jewelry set.

On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary informed the Section Officer of Toshakhana to assess and declare the value of the jewelry set, but it was not deposited.

According to the reference, Bulgari had sold the necklace to the Saudi Arabian franchise Solugent Trading on May 25, 2018, for 300,000 euros and the earrings for 80,000 euros. However, the prices of the bracelet and ring were not available. On May 28, 2021, the total value of the Bulgari jewelry set was approximately Rs75,661,600 .

The necklace was valued at Rs56,496,000, and the earrings at Rs15,065,600. According to Toshakhana rules, the jewelry set's value, after paying 50 per cent, should be Rs35,765,800. However, the NAB reference added that by undervaluing the jewelry set, a loss of Rs32,851,300 was incurred to the national treasury.

The PTI founder, along with Bushra Bibi, violated Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999.

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi convicted in £190m case

Earlier this year, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted in the £190 million case. Imran was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year jail term. Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the order in a courtroom inside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

In addition to the prison sentences, the court imposed fines of Rs1 million on Imran and Rs500,000 on Bushra. If the fines are not paid, Imran will serve an additional six months in prison, and Bushra Bibi will face an extra three months.

The verdict also declared that the property of the "sham trust," Al-Qadir University Project Trust, is to be forfeited to the federal government in accordance with Section 10(a) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

What is the £190 million case?

The case alleges that Imran Khan and others involved adjusted Rs50 billion—equivalent to £190 million at the time—that was transferred by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government. As PM, Imran obtained cabinet approval for this settlement on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the confidential details of the agreement.

The arrangement had stipulated that the funds would be submitted to the Supreme Court. According to NAB officials, him and his wife received land worth billions of rupees intended for the construction of an educational institute.

NAB filed the reference on December 1, 2023 against eight accused persons including Imran and his wife. The court on January 6, 2024 declared the rest of six accused proclaimed offenders as they did not face the trial and escaped to foreign countries.

The court indicted Imran and Bushra on February 27, 2024. The prosecution presented 35 witnesses, whom the defense later cross-examined. Key witnesses in the case included PM's former principal secretary Azam Khan, former defense minister Pervez Khattak and former federal minister Zubaida Jalal.

Three different judges presided over the case at various stages of the trial while the final investigative officer, Mian Umar Nadeem, was cross-examined after 38 hearings. The accountability court provided the accused 15 opportunities to complete their statements under Section 342. However, no witnesses were presented by the defence.