PTI backs Aleema's protest call, rejects claims of 'internal rift'

• Sh Waqas Akram says PTI and Imran Khan's family remain completely united, demanding Imran Khan's immediate release

• Questions judicial handling of Al-Qadir Trust case, seeks equal legal treatment under Article 25

• Rejects proposed changes to fuel price review mechanism, demands immediate relief amid falling global oil prices

• Voices alarm over communication and supply blockade in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urges dialogue to avert confrontation

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram on Tuesday reaffirmed the party's complete solidarity with former prime minister Imran Khan's family, announcing full support for the protest and long march call issued by Aleema Khan for the immediate release of the party's founding chairman, expressing concern over “unequal judicial treatment” in high-profile cases of Imran Khan and his wife.

In a statement, Sheikh Waqas Akram rejected attempts to create the perception of internal divisions within the party, asserting that PTI and Imran Khan's family remained fully united.

He said the party condemned the continued isolation of Imran Khan from his family and legal counsel, maintaining that peaceful public protest remained an essential democratic means of pursuing justice. He called upon party workers and supporters to remain prepared for nationwide mobilisation if required.

PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 14, 2026

Sheikh Waqas Akram, Secretary Information, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed deep concern over unequal judicial treatment in high-profile cases while highlighting the Form 47 regime’s failures on multiple critical national…

— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 14, 2026

The PTI leader reiterated that the party remained steadfast in its commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the rights of the people of Pakistan.

Raises concerns over judicial treatment

Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed concern over what he described as unequal judicial treatment in high-profile cases while criticising what he termed the failures of the "Form 47 regime" on multiple national fronts.

Referring to the petitions filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi seeking suspension of their sentences in the 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, he said PTI had taken serious note of the Supreme Court Registrar's administrative decision to return the petitions.

He maintained that the decision reflected what the party viewed as a pattern of selective judicial handling concerning Imran Khan and his family.

According to Sheikh Waqas Akram, determining the maintainability of a constitutional petition was a judicial function that rested exclusively with a bench of the Supreme Court rather than an administrative officer or the registrar.

He contrasted the matter with what he described as prompt relief granted to other political leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, in their respective cases. He further claimed that Imran Khan, whom he said had not misappropriated public funds, and Bushra Bibi continued to be denied basic legal relief.

PTI demanded the immediate acceptance and fixation of the Chamber Appeal filed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against the Registrar's order, strict adherence to Article 25 of the Constitution to ensure equality before the law for all citizens, and the immediate release of former first lady Bushra Bibi, describing her continued detention as unjust.

 Opposes fuel price review proposal

The PTI information secretary also rejected the government's proposal to shift from fortnightly to weekly or daily fuel price reviews, describing the move as an administrative measure that would not provide meaningful relief to the public.

He argued that amid declining international crude oil prices, consumers deserved immediate and substantial reductions in petrol and diesel prices.

Sheikh Waqas Akram called for a transparent overhaul of the petroleum pricing mechanism, reduction of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) and the removal of what he termed undue protections benefiting oil marketing companies and refineries.

 Calls for inquiry into Ziarat attack

The PTI leader also expressed profound sorrow over what he described as the authorities' indifference towards the families of the 30 police personnel martyred in the militant attack in the Mangi area of Ziarat, Balochistan.

He said the party stood in solidarity with the bereaved families staging a five-day sit-in at Koila Phatak in Quetta with the coffins of their loved ones while demanding justice.

Sheikh Waqas Akram warned that the situation could adversely affect the morale of Pakistan's security forces and called for the immediate establishment of an independent judicial commission, headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, to investigate the attack and identify those responsible.

He also demanded acceptance of what the party described as the legitimate demands of the protesting families, including written security guarantees and comprehensive compensation packages.

 Expresses concern over AJK situation

Sheikh Waqas Akram further expressed concern over the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), alleging that the federal and AJK governments had pushed the region towards a humanitarian and political crisis through a prolonged communication and supply blockade.

He urged the relevant state authorities to immediately intervene to prevent any confrontation with peaceful protesters, particularly unarmed students, and stressed that the grievances of the people of Kashmir should be addressed through dialogue.

PTI called for the immediate cessation of all confrontational measures, restoration of internet services and supply routes, and unconditional implementation of agreements reached with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) regarding electricity pricing and subsidies.

The party also endorsed the JAAC's appeal for humanitarian assistance and called upon civil society, philanthropists and the Kashmiri diaspora to provide urgent relief.