PTI supporters mobilise nationwide ahead of protest call | The Express Tribune

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began mobilising from various parts of the country on Tuesday, responding to party founder and incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s protest call. The movement comes as PTI marks two years since the imprisonment of Imran.

At least six MPAs have been arrested in Lahore. Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi has been detained.

MPAs Farukh Javed Moon, Colonel Shoaib, Nadeem Sadiq Dogar, Khawaja Salahuddin, Aminullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak have also been arrested.

Read: PTI calls protest start of struggle for justice

The party has claimed the authorities have detained over 300 workers in Lahore and are conducting raids at the homes of party leaders.

PTI Punjab wing criticised ongoing state actions against party members on X, saying fear of even elderly supporters shows how deeply Imran remains rooted in the public’s hearts.

PTI Islamabad posted on X that Rehana Imtiaz Dar was forcibly arrested from Aiwan-e-Adl.

On the directive of PTI President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, a rally was held in Lahore, demanding the release of Imran.

The rally was led by Elahi’s sister, Begum Sameera Elahi, along with Begum Kousar Muhammad Khan Bhatti from Mandi Bahauddin and Liaquat Ali Bhatti, President of PTI’s Kisan Wing in the district.

Supporters carried placards and banners featuring images of Imran Khan and Pervaiz Elahi, while chants were raised in support of Imran Khan, Kashmir, and Pervaiz Elahi.

Nationwide mobilisation 

PTI workers in several areas began mobilising, demanding Imran’s release.

In Lahore, a large crowd rallied under the leadership of PTI figure Shaukat Basra, marching through key city roads with party flags and chanting pro-Imran slogans.

In Okara, PTI leader Mehr Abdul Sattar led a motorcycle rally, where participants raised the slogan, “Release our Khan”. Convoys were seen moving towards a central point as part of the mobilisation effort.

The PTI Insaf Youth Wing also launched its convoy from District Mohmand.

In Sheikhupura, a protest movement was initiated by Punjab Assembly MPA Waqas Mehmood Maan, who also serves as the senior vice president of the party’s Kisan Wing in Punjab.

A significant number of farmers joined the protest, demanding the release of the incarcerated former prime minister.

In Jhang, PTI workers held a protest demanding Imran’s release.

Meanwhile, former PTI member of the National Assembly Aliya Hamza Malik claimed on X that police had attacked her vehicle as she attempted to participate in the peaceful demonstration.

According to the statement, the incident occurred while the party’s Punjab chief organiser, Malik was in the car. PTI’s Punjab wing further said that authorities were not allowing peaceful protests to proceed.

Former PTI MPA Maj (R) Latasob Satti posted on X that police attacked MPA Nasir Cheema’s car, smashing its windows.

Former deputy speaker in National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri wrote on X that overnight raids were carried out in the homes of PTI leaders and workers in Lahore and individuals in civil dress were seen breaking CCTV cameras.

Meanwhile, Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar issued a statement saying, “don’t abuse the force (police) – those in uniform stay awake at night for your safety”.

Asad Umar wrote on X that two years on, the public still rejects the anti-Imran narrative, viewing his imprisonment as politically motivated.

He urged national leaders to engage with PTI for a constitutional solution, calling it the only way to end the crisis.

Ali Muhammad Khan wrote on X that August 5 marks two years of what he called the unjust imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan.

He said the country’s problems cannot be solved by jailing political opponents, but through political dialogue and demanded the immediate release of Khan and other “innocent political prisoners”.

“Power show”

PTI workers and supporters have been preparing to join the protest from various constituencies across Lahore.

According to PTI Lahore President Imtiaz Shaikh, the party will hold strong demonstrations in multiple areas of Lahore, and an attempt will be made to stage a central power show at one location. However, given the situation, an alternative plan has also been prepared.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The rally, set to begin at 4pm from Hayatabad Toll Plaza, will be led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

A container has been readied for the event as party workers prepare to demonstrate in support of Khan and demand his release.

A convoy from Tehsil Tall is currently heading towards Hangu.

In Balochistan

National highway blocked in Balochistan – Under the leadership of PTI leader Ahsan Ayaz Khetran, the highway connecting Balochistan and Punjab has been closed, causing long queues of traffic.