The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday unveiled its plans for its upcoming Aug. 5 (Tuesday) protest seeking the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, claiming it will comprise nationwide demonstrations in collaboration with opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Aaen-e-Pakistan (TTAP).
Addressing a press conference in Swabi, PTI leader Asad Qaiser—who also serves as the secretary general of the TTAP—said the demonstrations coincided with the second anniversary of the arrest of Khan from Lahore. He said the PTI and its allied parties would observe it as a “black day,” stressing the protests would be held in a peaceful manner and within the limits of the Constitution and the legal framework.
Alleging that the judiciary was no longer independent, Qaiser claimed Khan’s legal and constitutional rights are being violated, threatening democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. He reiterated calls for the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9, 2023 riots, adding anyone found responsible should be prosecuted in accordance with law.
Another PTI leader, Shahram Khan Tarakai, said provincial cadres would lead the protests, while elected lawmakers would stage separate protests across Pakistan. He said the protests would launch a “new struggle” for democracy that would continue until the achievement of its objectives. “Our movement is peaceful and we will once again prove that Imran Khan’s supporters are law-abiding citizens who respect the Constitution,” he said.
To a question, Qaiser said the party would soon decide whether it should continue to serve in Parliament or boycott the system. Last week, a statement attributed to Imran Khan claimed he had directed his party leaders to boycott by-elections on seats whose lawmakers have been disqualified over their convictions in the May 9, 2023 riots.
He claimed the party would stage a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, adding it would prove crucial for securing Khan’s release. He warned the government against any obstructive tactics, maintaining the party would reach the venue under all conditions.
Block roads
Separately, PTI Islamabad chief Aamir Mughal released a video statement, announcing the party had failed to secure permission for a workers’ convention for Aug. 5. In response, he said, the party would launch an unarmed but political “guerrilla struggle” from Sunday.
Under this plan, he said, the party’s supporters would “block various main roads and share the message of Imran Khan” and disperse before the arrival of police “Our goal is to record the protest and protect our workers from arrest and police torture. We know that torture is the only weapon of the ruling elite,” he said, adding this plan would soon be extended nationwide.
District-level protests
According to the PTI leadership, it would stage a rally from Hayatabad Toll Plaza to Qila Bala Hisar in Peshawar, with the demonstrations beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting until nightfall. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur would lead the main protest in Peshawar.
The party says it has directed all elected members of the National Assembly and the KP Assembly to record videos of their protests and submit them to their respective district organizations. These videos would then be forwarded to the regional leadership for review.