Islamabad, August 6:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the second phase of its nationwide protest movement, set to begin on August 14—Pakistan’s Independence Day. The protests aim to demand the release of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The announcement came from senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser during a rally in Swabi, held to mark the anniversary of Khan’s arrest. “The second phase of our protest will be on August 14. After that, we will move to Sindh,” Qaiser said.
The build-up to this renewed agitation saw heightened tensions, with police cracking down on PTI supporters across major cities. According to police sources, over 240 PTI activists were arrested, including 122 in Lahore for attempting to block roads and disrupt law and order. Several PTI lawmakers, including Deputy Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Moeen Riaz Qureshi and Members of Parliament Shoaib Amir, Farrukh Javed Moon, and others were also detained but later released.
Authorities imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning public gatherings to prevent unrest.
In Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addressed protesters and declared daily protests moving forward. He hinted at further announcements regarding activities planned for August 13 and 14. However, his abrupt departure without addressing supporters triggered spontaneous protests by PTI workers against his unexplained exit.
The protest movement has also gained momentum abroad. In Dallas, USA, former Deputy National Assembly Speaker Qasim Khan Suri led a protest rally of overseas Pakistanis, asserting that Imran Khan was being punished for challenging the political status quo. He reiterated PTI’s claim that the 2024 general elections were rigged and the party was a victim of political persecution.
