The power show was held in Upper Adda, also known as Lal Chowk, where charged supporters from different parts of the territory gathered in large numbers, waving party, Kashmiri and Pakistani flags and chanting slogans in favour of Mr Khan. The turnout and enthusiasm were also acknowledged by several users on social media, including those affiliated with rival parties.
The rally, addressed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi as chief guest, was marked by fiery speeches and pledges to launch a protest movement for the former prime minister’s release.
Asking participants who they had voted for, he drew a thunderous response of “Imran Khan,” asserting that “Pakistan, too, voted for Imran Khan.”
With elections approaching, he warned of possible attempts to “steal the mandate” again and urged supporters not only to vote for Mr Khan but also to “protect that vote.”
Recalling his announcement on the 19th that the next phase of PTI’s street movement would begin in Kashmir, he said he had come to Muzaffarabad in that connection. “Kashmiris have overwhelmingly responded to Imran Khan’s call, and I salute you all,” he added.
He criticised the ruling setup in both Pakistan and AJK, alleging “undemocratic and unethical conduct,” and accused authorities of obstructing political activity, including blocking roads on the day of the rally.
“…they did not treat their guest well, even though this is not in keeping with Kashmiri traditions,” he said.
“The bond between the tribal people and Kashmiris is longstanding, not new. The rude behaviour of those in power cannot create rifts in this relationship.”
Mr Afridi asserted that Imran Khan had presented the case of Kashmir, Pakistan and Palestine at international forums and was now “unjustly imprisoned” along with his wife Bushra Bibi. He claimed that despite losing hope in the courts following the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, Mr Khan believed that the people of Pakistan and Kashmir would continue his struggle.
He said he had been pursuing all constitutional, legal and democratic avenues, but without result. “As many as three judges have granted me permission to meet my leader, but the superintendent of Adiala Jail tears up those orders and throws them into the dustbin,” he alleged.
Referring to an appearance at the Islamabad High Court, he claimed that despite waiting for two hours during Ramazan, the chief justice did not even acknowledge his greeting.
“For the sake of Pakistan, I am putting my political capital at stake — attending meetings and engaging with stakeholders to press for an end to political discrimination, an independent judiciary and genuine electoral outcomes,” he said, adding that the will of the voters must be reflected in the ballot.
Warning against curbs on political rights, he said: “If our rights are usurped, we will come out and protest — the Constitution allows us to do so.”
He announced that a “major protest call” would soon be given, expressing confidence that people across the country would respond and help secure Mr Khan’s release.
Earlier, former AJK premier and PTI’s regional president Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi said Kashmiris had always stood with Imran Khan and would respond to every protest call. He also alleged that hurdles were being created in the party’s registration for upcoming elections and demanded that PTI be allowed to participate freely.
He expressed support for the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee and called for the implementation of agreements reached with it.
The rally was also addressed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other party leaders.
Later, Mr Afridi administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers of Muzaffarabad’s Central Bar Association at the Judicial Complex, where he reiterated largely the same views in his address to bar members.
He urged lawyers to be an active part of the movement to restore true democracy in the country.
Earlier, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Naeem Haider Panjutha, newly elected bar president Raja Zaigham Iftikhar, secretary general Murtaza Ahmad Mir and other speakers also addressed the ceremony.
Tariq Naqash
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