Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday launched nationwide protests demanding the release of its incarcerated party founder, as party leaders and lawmakers gathered in Islamabad and other cities to lead demonstrations and rallies.
The protest plan includes a solidarity march from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. According to PTI leader Umair Niazi, the party’s lawmakers from Punjab and KP were instructed to gather in the federal capital to lead the protest. He said that while the initial plan involved separate activities in their respective regions, the strategy was changed for a more unified demonstration in Islamabad.
A rally led by Ali Amin Gandapur in Peshawar kicked off from Ring Road and is scheduled to culminate at Bala Hisar Fort. In Lahore, police detained six PTI MPAs, including Punjab Assembly’s Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi, amid preventive measures ahead of the protest.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, PTI leader Rehana Dar was taken into custody outside Aiwan-e-Adl. At the same time, several party leaders including Mehmood Achakzai, Junaid Akbar, and Salman Akram Raja arrived at Parliament House as part of the party’s political strategy. PTI lawmakers also participated in the National Assembly session where they raised the issue of arrests.
Speaking on the floor of the House, PTI MNA Aamir Dogar condemned the arrests of party lawmakers and said members were being punished for standing by the party’s founder. “The way this Assembly is being run is a puppet show,” Dogar remarked.
Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi enforced Section 144, banning all gatherings, sit-ins, and public protests. Heavy police contingents have been deployed across the twin cities, and officials have warned citizens against participating in any unlawful activity. The PTI’s request to hold a public gathering at F-9 Park was earlier denied.
PTI leader Umair Niazi told media that party founder Imran Khan had instructed that no protests be held in Islamabad or Rawalpindi without prior coordination and advised workers to hold events in their local areas.
Meanwhile, veteran politician Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, speaking from Multan, said the PTI’s August 5 protest was a democratic right within the constitutional framework. “This protest is aimed at defending democracy, human liberty, and the supremacy of the Constitution,” he said. “It is time we unite to liberate this country and build a Pakistan where the people’s voice and parliamentary supremacy prevail.”
Security officials have indicated that any attempts to disrupt public order may result in strict action. Red Zone access may be restricted if tensions escalate.
The PTI leadership has stated that if lawmakers are stopped at any point, they will begin sit-ins at those locations.
