Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan marked 900 days this week in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. He has been detained since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and leaking state secrets—many of which have since been suspended or are under appeal.

To mark the milestone, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), mobilized supporters under the #900DaysofInjustice. PTI leaders point to a United Nations opinion stating that Khan’s initial arrest was unlawful and appeared aimed at silencing him politically. They also cite reports of harsh prison conditions, including prolonged solitary confinement, denial of sunlight, and restricted family visits.

Tensions escalated on January 20 when police dispersed a family-led protest, injuring dozens of people, including women and senior PTI leaders. Meanwhile, messages allegedly smuggled from Khan have called for nationwide resistance against what PTI describes as political retribution following his removal from office in 2022.

The intensity of recent protests suggests that Imran Khan continues to command strong support, particularly among Pakistan’s youth. As many supporters say, the political passion he ignited in people’s hearts may be difficult to extinguish. According to media reports, Khan has reportedly been offered deals on several occasions that could have led to his release, but he has refused each time.

His sister, Alima Khan, said, “We don’t just want meetings with Imran Khan—we want his release. He is Pakistan’s leader, and the entire nation wants him free.” Other PTI leaders echo this sentiment, arguing that Khan has been illegally detained for 900 days and calling on the country to unite and protest for his freedom.

But the questions remain: Is such nationwide unity possible? Will Imran Khan ever walk free? And will the nation once again rally behind him as it has before?

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)