Azam Khan Swati

**Azam Khan Swati**, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has remained steadfast in his support for the party and Imran Khan despite facing significant challenges over the past two-and-a-half years. Below is a detailed overview of his recent developments and statements:

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### **1. Release from Jail and Public Reception**  
Azam Swati was released from Attock Jail on **February 4, 2025**, following bail orders issued by the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench on January 30. The court granted him bail in a case registered at Taxila Police Station, which accused him of making controversial statements and using "defamatory language" on social media. Upon his return to his hometown, Manshera, he was greeted by a massive crowd during a public rally, reflecting his strong local support.

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### **2. Corruption Allegations and Warning to Public Representatives**  
During his address in Manshera after his release, Swati launched scathing criticism against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government and local representatives. He claimed that corruption in Manshera is "at its peak," with bribes being exchanged for jobs, contracts, and transfers. He vowed to escalate the matter directly to Imran Khan, emphasizing that corrupt officials and lawmakers would not be tolerated. His remarks underscored PTI’s anti-corruption stance and called for accountability within the party’s own ranks.

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### **3. Criticism of Neglect Toward Jailed Workers**  
Swati also slammed PTI representatives from Manshera for failing to support over **1,100 party workers** imprisoned in Attock Jail. He argued that elected leaders prioritized their "protocol privileges" and government perks over visiting jailed workers, providing legal aid, or addressing their needs. This neglect, he stressed, violated the party’s core values of solidarity and grassroots support.

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### **4. Legal Battles and Bail Extension**  
Swati faces five additional cases linked to the **May 9, 2023 protests**. Recently, an anti-terrorism court extended his interim bail until **February 12, 2025**, citing his heart condition as grounds for exempting him from physical court appearances. The court, however, directed him to attend the next hearing, signaling ongoing legal pressure.

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### **5. Allegations of Political Vendetta**  
Swati’s legal team has repeatedly accused authorities of targeting him as part of a "political vendetta" for exercising his right to free speech. The Supreme Court of Pakistan also criticized the misuse of power in one of his cases, highlighting concerns over judicial overreach and suppression of dissent.

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### **Key Takeaways**  
Azam Swati’s ordeal—marked by imprisonment, legal battles, and vocal advocacy for jailed workers—has positioned him as a symbol of resistance within PTI. His post-release statements have reignited debates about internal accountability, corruption in KP, and the need for party leaders to prioritize grassroots support over political privileges. By aligning his struggle with Imran Khan’s anti-corruption agenda, Swati continues to push for systemic reforms while navigating a fraught political landscape.