Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, revealed on Thursday that he and other PTI leaders were denied entry to meet the party’s founder chairman, Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail. At a press conference held outside the jail, Ayub explained that Shibli Faraz, Raoof Hassan, Sheharyar Afridi, and Shandana Gulzar waited from 1pm to 5pm, but were informed by the jail administration that higher authorities had not granted permission for the meeting. Ayub emphasized that the meeting had been arranged following court orders, but the IG police intervened to prevent it.
Ayub declared that attempts to pressure PTI lawmakers would not succeed, affirming that all MNAs remain united and loyal to Imran Khan. Shibli Faraz, also speaking at the press conference, decried the humiliation of elected representatives who were merely seeking their right to meet their leader. Faraz added that their request to hold a rally had been denied by the local administration, which also arrested PTI leader Amir Mughal.
MNA Sheharyar Afridi emphasized their unwavering loyalty to Khan, stating that they are his “soldiers” and will stand by him. MNA Shandana Gulzar rejected rumors of internal rifts within the party, stressing her loyalty by her presence outside the jail.
PTI’s Reaction to Power Tariff Increase
In a separate statement, a PTI spokesperson criticized the federal cabinet’s decision to increase the basic electricity tariff by Rs5.72 per unit, calling it an economic burden on the already struggling and inflation-weary public. The spokesperson condemned the tariff hike as “economic murder” and urged the government to reverse the decision.
The PTI also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Imran Khan from what they termed as “unlawful detention,” citing recommendations from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Additionally, the party called for an urgent hearing of their petition regarding alleged fraud in the February 8 elections, pointing to the findings of the Pattan report.
