Salman Akram Raja announces nationwide PTI protest for August 5
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has called for a nationwide protest on August 5, urging the public to rally behind what he described as a 'historic movement.'
Framing the party's struggle as a fight for national sovereignty rather than mere political survival, Raja appealed for mass participation to defend democratic rights.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday alongside senior PTI leaders, he condemned what he called unconstitutional actions targeting PTI lawmakers, describing a broader crackdown on dissent.
He criticised the Punjab Assembly's decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, calling the move unlawful and politically motivated. 'Our members will continue to raise their voices against this unconstitutional step,' he said.
Raja accused the government of systematically sidelining over 100 elected PTI members through the manipulation of Form-47 during the electoral process. 'This is not just political engineering—it is an assault on the people's mandate,' he asserted.
He further alleged that the May 9 protests were deliberately misrepresented, claiming that what began as a peaceful demonstration was later portrayed as a violent conspiracy. He called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events and demanded the release of CCTV footage to substantiate the allegations made against PTI supporters.
'In jail, Imran Khan continues to praise our assembly members for standing firm,' Raja noted, adding that the PTI founder has been denied both legal and family access and is being subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours without ventilation.
He warned that Pakistan's political and judicial systems were at a critical juncture, describing July 21 as potentially 'a dark day in political and judicial history.' Raja criticised the state's use of anti-sedition laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to suppress dissent in both politics and journalism.
He also rejected speculation about internal deals within the party, maintaining that PTI members remain united and committed to their political stance. 'We are not stepping back. If someone dropped their reference, it does not mean there was a deal,' he clarified.
Reaffirming the party's constitutional position, Raja said, 'Disqualification is only possible under Articles 62 and 63. No one can be disqualified beyond that.' He added that truth-telling had effectively been criminalised and expressed concern over the erosion of freedom of expression.
The press conference took a contentious turn when a journalist asked whether Raja's rhetoric was aimed at keeping PTI's founder behind bars, and inquired about the nature of the planned protest. Raja responded calmly, stating that he had recently met with PTI leader Aliya Hamza to discuss organisational matters.
However, PTI MPA Farrukh Javed Moon interrupted, labelling the journalist's question 'stupid' and telling him to 'lower your voice,' accusing him of being disrespectful. The confrontation prompted Moon to walk out of the press conference, while other journalists protested his behaviour. Raja attempted to de-escalate the situation and urged restraint.
Despite the disruption, he reiterated PTI's willingness to engage in dialogue and accountability. 'We want the truth to prevail—if someone deserves punishment, let justice take its course. But let us not punish political dissent,' he said.
Raja concluded by affirming that PTI remains strong both inside and outside Parliament and dismissed ongoing efforts to sideline the party as futile. 'The people are still with Imran Khan,' he said. 'Whether it's the 27th or 28th constitutional amendment—it won't change the truth.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
26 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Youm-e-Istehsal: Pakistan reaffirms support to Kashmiris' struggle
On August 5, 2025, as Pakistan solemnly observes Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the nation once again renews its commitment to the people of Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). This day is not merely a symbolic gesture—it is a moral imperative, a reaffirmation of solidarity with a people whose voices have been systematically silenced under the weight of state-sponsored repression. Youm-e-Istehsal, commemorated annually, marks the sixth anniversary of India's unilateral revocation of Article 370, which stripped occupied Jammu and Kashmir of its constitutionally enshrined autonomy. This act, driven by a Hindutva-inspired ideology under the BJP-led government, was not only legally questionable but morally indefensible. It sought to dissolve the unique political identity of Kashmir, an identity forged through history, sacrifice, and unrelenting struggle. Kashmir is not simply a territorial dispute or a residual wound of partition; it is a living testament to human endurance in the face of structural violence. For over seven decades, the people of Kashmir have endured military occupation, demographic engineering, and systemic disenfranchisement—yet their resolve remains unshaken. Kashmir's story is not just one of suffering; it is one of resistance, of refusing to be erased. The roots of the Kashmir conflict lie in the turbulent aftermath of the 1947 partition of British India. Princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan, based on geographic contiguity and the will of the people. Given its Muslim-majority population and cultural affinity with Pakistan, Jammu, and Kashmir's natural trajectory seemed clear. However, Maharaja Hari Singh's controversial accession to India—under opaque and contested circumstances—ignited a conflict that continues to haunt South Asia. In response, the United Nations adopted a series of resolutions in 1948 and 1949, explicitly calling for a free and impartial plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their political future. That promise remains unfulfilled, buried beneath layers of realpolitik, diplomatic inertia, and global indifference. Meanwhile, India's abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, marked a seismic shift in the political landscape of Kashmir. The move dissolved Jammu & Kashmir State's nominal autonomy, replacing it with direct federal control and unleashing a cascade of repressive measures: communications blackouts, mass arrests, media censorship, and an intensified military presence. This was not an administrative reform—it was an ideological project aimed at redefining Kashmir's Muslim identity and forcibly integrating it into the Hindu nationalist vision of India. Human rights watchdogs—Amnesty Inter-national, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations—have documented widespread abuses: arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the brutal use of pellet guns, which have maimed and blinded hundreds, including women and children. The psychological scars inflicted by this campaign of terror will echo across generations. Yet, despite relentless oppression, the spirit of Kashmir endures. Resistance takes many forms: from protests and civil disobedience to poetry, music, and digital storytelling. Artists like Agha Shahid Ali and rappers like MC Kash have weaponized words against bullets, preserving the Kashmiri narrative and keeping hope alive through the power of cultural expression. In a world that often forgets, these voices are a moral compass, reminding us of Kashmir's unyielding quest for justice. Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri cause transcends political expediency; it is rooted in fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and the right of all peoples to determine their destiny. At the United Nations General Assembly, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and other international forums, Pakistan has consistently raised its voice against India's transgressions and in defence of the Kashmiri people. The observance of August 5, 2025, is not merely ceremonial—it is a manifestation of Pakistan's enduring solidarity. Through policy statements, awareness campaigns, and nationwide rallies, the Pakistani state—particularly the Punjab government—has worked to keep the Kashmir issue at the forefront of national consciousness. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has played a particularly commendable role in highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people. Her government's efforts—ranging from public advocacy to the provision of scholarships to Kashmiri students—reflect a serious and sustained commitment to turning words into action. By institutionalizing support, Punjab has set an example for how provincial governments can meaningfully contribute to national causes. Such initiatives not only uplift the morale of the oppressed but also serve to remind the international community that Kashmir is not forgotten. The political, moral, and humanitarian support extended by Pakistan ensures that Kashmir remains a living issue in global discourse. Despite the gravity of the situation, the international community's response has often been tepid, if not complicit. While geopolitical crises elsewhere—such as in Ukraine—elicit swift and concerted action, Kashmir is met with equivocation and diplomatic inertia. This selective moral outrage undermines the very principles upon which the international order claims to stand. The United Nations, in particular, must reckon with its failure to enforce its resolutions. The legitimacy of international law cannot be selectively applied. The right to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter, is not a privilege to be granted—it is a fundamental human right. Likewise, the global media has a responsibility to pierce through the fog of propaganda and present the unvarnished truth. Human rights organizations must go beyond issuing statements—they must push for tangible action, diplomatic accountability, and sustained global attention. Youm-e-Istehsal is more than a day of remembrance—it is a call to conscience. It urges us to recognize that the Kashmiri struggle is not about land or borders, but about freedom, dignity, and the inalienable right to live without fear. Kashmir's yearning for freedom is not a separatist impulse—it is a plea for justice that the world must hear. As we mark August 5, 2025, let us reaffirm our belief that the shadows of occupation will not last forever. One day, the silence of the valleys will be broken not by gunfire, but by the call to prayer echoing in a land free from tyranny. The dawn of freedom will come—because history, no matter how long it is delayed, bends ultimately toward justice.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Kashmir dispute resolution key pillar of foreign policy: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute was a key pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy and urged the international community to play a role to halt Indian human rights crimes in IIOJK and reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019. The prime minister, in his message on Youm-e-Istehsal, also called for global community's role in urging India to repeal the draconian laws and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister said: 'On this Youm-e-Istehsal, the Government of Pakistan and I reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Pakistani people with our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of India's illegal and unilateral actions taken since 5 August 2019 to alter the demographic structure, and political landscape of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in complete defiance of international law, norms and principles, as well as the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council'. Calling Youm-e-Istehsal a sobering reminder of India's rejection of peace and stability and its investment in brutality and unilateralism, he said that the continued denial of the basic human rights, dignity and identity of Kashmiris living under India's illegal and unconscionable occupation was a recipe for regional instability. The prime minister said that India's occupation could not be sustained by any normal means, and it has thus doubled down on a nearly eight-decade regime of state terrorism and oppression. 'The brave Kashmiri people have endured this brutality with incredible dignity. Today is a day for all Pakistanis, and all peace-loving people of the world, to salute the unwavering resilience and spirit of sacrifice of the Kashmiri people.' He said that the efforts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people were part of the wider hegemonic and extremist agenda that informs India's illegal occupation of Kashmir. Prime Minister said 'The imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders and activists, including Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Masarrat Alam Bhatt will never dim the resolve of our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. The continued defiance of Kashmiris in an environment of unending intimidation across the illegal Indian occupation is more proof of the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people'. He said that India's illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir remained the defining conflict of the South Asia region, and the driver of India's continued rogue behaviour. 'India's unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May 2025, and its swift and comprehensive military defeat are only the latest evidence of the urgent need for the international community to ensure that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority. The will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions is the only path forward.' The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's unflinching stance, moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PTI no longer a political party: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is no longer a political party but has turned into a fascist group determined to damage state institutions and disrupt national unity. On August 5, the people of Pakistan will completely reject the politics of chaos and stand in full solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters, Azma said, adding: 'The person who raises slogans of 'Haqiqi Azadi' is the same individual whose $18 million advertisement was published in the United States, exposing his double standards. This man once begged for freedom from America, and now his son is repeating the same narrative.' Speaking at a news conference held at DGPR on Monday, Azma Bokhari said that the arrival of the Iranian President in Lahore was a historic occasion, but a particular segment of society tried to malign it through negative propaganda. She emphasised that the Iranian nation holds a deep intellectual connection with Allama Iqbal and considers him the Poet of the East. She added that Iran has expressed its commitment to enhancing trade with Pakistan up to 10 billion dollars. The warm welcome extended to the Iranian President by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz is a reflection of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, she added. The Information Minister said that anti-smog guns have now been delivered in Punjab, with 15 already stationed in Lahore. The Punjab government is fully prepared for the upcoming smog season starting from October. Millions of trees are being planted with QR code tagging to ensure transparent monitoring. Public schools are being equipped with new furniture, proper boundary walls, and washroom facilities. In Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, women have been inducted into the armed forces; a clear sign of gender inclusion, she said. For students, the Punjab government is offering scholarships, laptops, and has planned a 1,000-bed cancer hospital, all of which reflect the government's top priorities, she added. Azma further said that on August 5, the entire nation will enthusiastically observe 'Kashmir Exploitation Day' and express complete solidarity with the people of Kashmir. She criticised PTI's call for protests on the same day, terming it highly regrettable. She said that when Kashmir was being brutalised, the same person was in power, and now he continues to conspire against the state by issuing statements about guerrilla warfare. She asserted that anyone who talks about waging guerrilla war against the state must be dealt with an iron hand. Referring to PTI's past protest calls, she said that the so-called 'final call' given on November 26 failed miserably. The movement announced after Ashura also died down, and the announcements made for April 9 and other dates were withdrawn. She mockingly said that PTI always seems eager for a showdown, but in the end, they end up defeating themselves. The Information Minister said that the current government has initiated over 90 projects and continues the journey of development, while those creating chaos only want to spread unrest. She said that when the country is on the path to economic stability, these elements call for anarchy and plot conspiracies. Azma Bokhari urged the public to demonstrate complete national unity on August 5 and send a loud and clear message to anti-state forces that there is no space for chaos and sabotage in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
