PTI workers take to streets to demand Imran Khan’s release amid ‘crackdown’

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-who launched a protest movement with workers and activists across the country on Tuesday to demand the release of the former prime minister on the second anniversary of its founder Imran Khan.

PTI sources have claimed that at least 300 of its workers were detained in Lahore in raids by police overnight. PTI leaders have claimed that police party is conducting raids to arrest leaders and workers.

The former Prime Minister, in a message posted on the party’s X account, urged supporters to “come out and protest peacefully until real democracy is restored in the country”.

The former cricket star was elected prime minister in 2018 but was expelled in 2022 by voting for a non -confidence vote in Parliament.

His arrest in May 2023 led to a protest against the army across the country, which resulted in a crackdown in the party.

Khan, who denies any wrongdoing, has politically encouraged him politically against terrorism from terrorism to government secrets.

He was sentenced in January in a corruption case, while other charges were sentenced or suspended.

Prior to the protest call, hundreds of members of Imran’s party, including several parliamentarians, were sentenced later last month on charges of protest against their arrest on May 9.

Peaceful demonstrations

The protest is being organized under the banner of the Tahir Tahfaz Constitution of Pakistan (TTAP) and has been overseen by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.

Spreading the party’s protests today, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said in a statement that he would lead a rally in the boner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Gohar said, “Today, rallies are being organized on the orders of the founder of PTI.

Members of the Provincial Assembly have been instructed to protest in their respective constituencies, while Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and PTI leaders have already reached the central leadership. All ticket holders are also on alert.

According to the plan announced, there will be peaceful protests in four provinces and Azad Kashmir and elected representatives will perform such activities in their respective constituencies.

“Yes, there is a lack of harmony, mainly due to the refusal of our leadership meetings with the founder of the party, such as the implementation of Section 144 in the twin cities and elsewhere, and the crackdown on party people in Punjab,” a senior PTI leader told the telephone.

According to the party’s schedule, all MNAs and Senator PTI founder’s sister, Alima Khan, will gather outside Adiala Jail.

PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said the movement would remain peaceful, emphasizing that the party did not want any confrontation.

Meanwhile, security has been significantly promoted near Adiala Jail following a request for additional police deployment in expected by PTI.

Security work

In light of the former ruling party’s protests, authorities have promoted security and enforced Article 144 of the Code of Conduct – except for illegal gatherings and major assemblies.

Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad as well as in Rawalpindi – which also contains Adiala Jail where the founder of PTI has been kept in prison.

A formal notification (No. 4353) issued on August 4 states that the intelligence received by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) during the recent meeting has indicated a threat to public safety, especially near sensitive installations, major roads and critical infrastructure.

The sanctions are immediately effective and will continue to be implemented in Rawalpindi district from August 5 to 10.

The Federal Capital Administration also refused to allow PTI’s local chapter August 5 to protest at F -9 Park. Local leader Aamir Mughal applied for permission on July 31.