Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Asad Qaiser announced that the party’s founder, Imran Khan, could be released from detention within an hour but firmly rejected any notion of striking a deal for his freedom.

Speaking at a press conference in Swabi, Qaiser emphasized PTI’s commitment to a peaceful protest on August 5, marking the anniversary of Khan’s arrest in 2023.

Qaiser, addressing reporters alongside PTI leader Shahram Khan Tarakai, confirmed that preparations for the August 5 demonstration are complete.

“This movement will stay peaceful and adhere to the Constitution and law,” he stated, underscoring the party’s demand for fair trials in all cases against Khan.

The former National Assembly speaker criticized the convictions of PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Zartaj Gul, labeling them unjust and politically motivated.

The PTI leader also addressed rumors about Khan’s alleged dissatisfaction with party leadership, particularly claims that he demanded resignations over poor performance, such as that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Qaiser clarified, “No such statement has been confirmed. These are baseless reports.” He reiterated PTI’s focus on securing Khan’s release through legal battles, not negotiations with the government.

“We demand merit-based trials for all cases,” Qaiser said, accusing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition of manipulating the judicial process to keep Khan detained.