Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) North West organised a “Release Imran Khan” convention at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and to support a countrywide shutter-down strike in Pakistan called by opposition parties.
The chief guests at the convention were Sahibzada Amir Jahangir, spokesperson for PTI UK and Europe, and Dr Nasir Shahid, founder of the Now or Never Movement. Prominent speakers included Asif Bitt, Shaukat Ali, Salman Ali Shah, Abdul Sattar Rana, Dr Andleeb Younas, Farhan Malik, Aslam Bhutta, Asia Hussain, Shahzad Qureshi, and others. A large number of PTI workers from different cities attended the event. Participants raised slogans in favour of Imran Khan and announced that they would continue their struggle until the release of their leadership and the restoration of democracy and the constitution in Pakistan. Addressing the convention, Sahibzada Amir Jahangir said that their only demand was the release of Imran Khan, who has become a world-famous leader. He added that overseas Pakistanis were united and would continue protests outside Pakistani embassies until Imran Khan’s release. Abdul Satar Rana, said that more than 300 rallies had already been organised in support of Imran Khan. He announced plans to hold a protest outside 10 Downing Street and to send a delegation to the European Parliament. He also expressed concern over alleged human rights violations in Pakistan. Social media activist Azhar Mishwani said that PTI would observe a countrywide shutter-down strike on February 8. Dr Nasir Shahid added that although the Punjab government had announced the Basant Festival on the same day, only PTI flag-coloured kites would be seen flying in Lahore. He said PTI workers from the UK would also take part in the protest. Allama Nasir Shah also addressed the convention through a video link.
