PTI demands Imran Khan's release for national unity against India

The main opposition of Pakistan PTI, has demanded the release of its incarcerated leader Imran Khan so he can participate in national deliberations on escalating tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The party also called for an immediate multi-party conference (MPC), with Mr Khan in attendance.

The demands were made in the Senate on Monday, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle slammed India for suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and fanning war hysteria following the April 22 attack.

Senator Ali Zafar, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, said political differences should be set aside for an issue of national importance. He noted that a multi-party conference was the only “correct thing to do in the present circumstances”.

If Mr Khan is allowed to attend such a meeting, Mr Zafar said it would send a signal across the world that Pakistan is united and make the country’s case stronger. He also criticised Indian PM Narendra Modi’s government and its “Nazi mentality” for fal­sely accusing Pakistan- which is itself a victim of terrorism. “I want to tell the world that this is a blatant and baseless lie motivated by malice.”

He added New Delhi has a “habit of levelling such allegations” and also called the Indian government an “expert in carrying out false flag operations”.

PTI Senator Shibli Faraz said Mr Khan should be allowed to appear on TV to give a call to people for a public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan and a march toward the Wagah border with India.

Mr Faraz, the opposition leader in Senate, expressed confidence that “over ten million people” will gather on Mr Khan’s call. “Only a true representative of the people can give a strong message to India,” he said, warning the enemy “takes advantage of political instability”.

He demanded the release of all “political prisoners” and doing away with the practice of filing false cases against political opponents.