Will PTI's new movement be able to free Imran Khan?
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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a "Free Imran Khan movement" with the aim of securing the release of their incarcerated leader, Imran Khan. This movement formally kicked off in mid-July 2025 from Lahore, with plans for a larger nationwide protest campaign set to culminate around AuguRead more
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a “Free Imran Khan movement” with the aim of securing the release of their incarcerated leader, Imran Khan. This movement formally kicked off in mid-July 2025 from Lahore, with plans for a larger nationwide protest campaign set to culminate around August 5, 2025.
See lessHowever, whether this movement will be able to free Imran Khan is highly uncertain, and several factors weigh against it:
* Legal Challenges: Imran Khan is currently facing numerous legal cases, ranging from corruption to misuse of power, and has been convicted in some. A recent ruling by the Lahore High Court found him involved in a conspiracy behind the May 9, 2023, events, which could lead to trials in military courts and significantly reduce his chances of immediate relief. His legal team is actively working on appeals and applications for better jail facilities, but the judicial process is complex and often lengthy.
* Government Stance and Crackdowns: The current government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, and the military establishment are widely seen by PTI as being responsible for Khan’s imprisonment. The government has dismissed PTI’s protest calls as “political gimmicks” and has been actively detaining PTI workers to prevent their participation in protests. This suggests a firm stance against acceding to PTI’s demands through street pressure.
* Political Isolation and Internal Divisions: The Supreme Court’s decision to deny PTI reserved seats due to their candidates running as independents in the 2024 elections has further weakened the party’s parliamentary standing. There are also reports of internal rifts within PTI, although Khan has urged party members to focus on the protests. This fragmentation could impact the effectiveness and unity of their movement.
* History of Confrontation: PTI has a history of mass protests and confrontations with state institutions. While this has galvanized support, it has also led to crackdowns and accusations from the government of inciting instability. Some analysts suggest that PTI’s “all-or-nothing” approach might be detrimental in the long run, and that a more pragmatic approach involving dialogue might be necessary for the party’s survival and Khan’s potential release.
* Military’s Role: The military establishment in Pakistan holds significant influence over the political landscape. While PTI has, at times, sought cooperation with the military, their recent confrontations have led to a strained relationship. The military’s stance on Khan and his party is a critical factor, and it appears to be currently aligned with isolating him.
While PTI is determined to exert pressure through street protests, the legal complexities, government resistance, and the overall political climate make a quick release for Imran Khan due to this movement appear challenging. The outcome will depend on the sustained momentum of the protests, the judiciary’s decisions, and any potential shifts in the political and military landscape.