In a strongly worded press conference held in Swabi, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, made bold claims regarding the ongoing incarceration of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan. He asserted that Khan could be released within an hour if he were willing to strike a deal, but he made it clear that Imran Khan would never compromise on his principles, regardless of the pressure or the cost.

Asad Qaiser emphasized that the party leadership stands firmly behind Imran Khan’s vision of justice and democratic accountability. “The path to freedom is easy — all it takes is a deal. But Imran Khan has refused time and again. He will not barter the people’s mandate or Pakistan’s democratic future in exchange for personal liberty,” Qaiser stated passionately.

He added that preparations for the upcoming protest on August 5 have been finalized. The protest is intended to mark the one-year anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest — a day PTI considers a dark chapter in Pakistan’s political history. According to Qaiser, the protest will be entirely peaceful and conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and law. “We are committed to a peaceful political struggle. Our protest is not about chaos; it is about rights,” he said.

Qaiser also pointed out the unjust convictions handed down to various PTI leaders, including Senator Shibli Faraz and MNA Zartaj Gul. He described their sentences as politically motivated and lacking any legal merit. “We want a fair trial for our leaders, including Imran Khan. Let justice be served on merit, not under political influence,” he demanded.

Addressing recent rumors about Imran Khan’s statements concerning the performance of provincial governments and chief ministers, Qaiser clarified that no verified statement has been made by Imran Khan regarding the resignation of any chief minister. “There’s a lot of misinformation being spread to create divisions within PTI. Let me be clear — we stand united, and there has been no confirmation from Imran Khan on any such remarks,” he said.

Qaiser also spoke about Pakistan’s economic future, regional trade, and the need for independent policy decisions. “We want trade with the world, but it must be on our terms. Our national resources should not be handed over to others for short-term gain. We must open trade routes through Afghanistan and ensure economic sovereignty,” he asserted.

Highlighting the dire economic situation in the country, Asad Qaiser said that the current government has failed to address inflation, unemployment, and public discontent. “The people of Pakistan are suffering, and the government is obsessed with suppressing the opposition instead of fixing the economy. This is not governance; this is revenge politics,” he said.

The former Speaker criticized the use of state power to silence PTI’s political voice. “We are being punished for speaking the truth and standing with the Constitution. The regime is using courts, jails, and fear as tools of oppression,” he claimed. He warned that continued suppression of political opponents would only worsen the crisis and deepen public resentment.

He called upon the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure that political cases are decided fairly. “We have complete faith in the judiciary, but we also expect that justice will not be delayed or manipulated. The nation is watching,” Qaiser emphasized.

In reference to international relations, he said Pakistan should pursue policies that serve its own national interest, not foreign dictates. “We must stand on our feet. We should be a country that trades with all but bows to none,” he said, echoing the PTI’s longstanding stance on foreign policy independence.

Qaiser concluded by reiterating that Imran Khan’s struggle is not about personal power but about creating a just and democratic Pakistan. “This is not just about one man in jail — this is about the future of Pakistan. If we remain silent today, tomorrow no one will be safe from injustice,” he warned.

The statements by Asad Qaiser come at a critical juncture as PTI continues to face intense legal and political pressure. With dozens of party leaders imprisoned or in hiding, and Imran Khan himself incarcerated for over a year, PTI has shifted focus from electoral politics to mass mobilization and peaceful protest. The party sees the August 5 rally as a test of its organizational strength and public support amid adversity.

Observers believe Qaiser’s remarks reflect PTI’s strategic approach: avoiding confrontation while steadily building pressure through public demonstrations and legal challenges. However, questions remain about how long the party can sustain its movement in the face of sustained suppression.

As the date of the protest approaches, all eyes are on PTI and the government’s response. Will the authorities allow a peaceful demonstration, or will the crackdown continue? For now, PTI insists it is not backing down. And Imran Khan, according to his party’s leaders, will remain steadfast — even if freedom is just “one deal” away.