Imran Khan Announces Major Rally in Peshawar on December 13, Demands Action on Human Rights Violations

ISLAMABAD:Former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has announced plans to hold a large public gathering in Peshawar on December 13 to pay tribute to political martyrs and to highlight the ongoing political and human rights crisis in Pakistan.

In a tweet, Imran Khan stated that “a dictatorship has been established in the country,” and accused the government of using state terrorism against peaceful political activists. He claimed that innocent political workers had been shot at, many of whom were killed, and that hundreds of PTI workers were still missing. He urged the Supreme Court to take notice of these violations and to fulfill its constitutional role. Khan added that despite approaching various courts—including the Supreme Court, Lahore High Court, and Islamabad High Court—no significant action had been taken, leading the country to its current state of affairs.

The former prime minister announced that the December 13 rally in Peshawar would be held in honor of those who had died for their political beliefs. He also revealed plans to invite opposition political parties to participate in the event.

Furthermore, Khan stated that he would form a five-member negotiation committee to address two key demands:

1. The release of under-trial political prisoners.
2. The establishment of a judicial commission to conduct a transparent investigation into the incidents of May 9 and November 26.

The committee will include prominent PTI figures such as Umar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser. The committee will engage in talks with various stakeholders, and Khan made it clear that if these demands are not met, PTI will initiate a civil disobedience movement starting from December 14.

Khan further stated that the civil disobedience movement would involve urging Pakistanis living abroad to limit their remittances and to launch a boycott campaign. He added that the second phase of this movement would escalate further if the demands were not addressed.

Imran Khan’s announcement reflects the growing political tensions in the country, with PTI leaders and supporters calling for justice and a resolution to what they see as widespread political persecution. The December 13 gathering in Peshawar is expected to draw significant attention, not only from PTI supporters but also from opposition parties, as it underscores the broader political unrest in Pakistan.