ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in collaboration with the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), is set to launch its highly anticipated protest today against the “illegal” detention of PTI leader Imran Khan.
The date marks two years since Imran Khan’s arrest in Lahore on charges related to corruption. To commemorate this, the opposition has announced nationwide protests under the flags of Pakistan, PTI, and a white flag symbolizing peace.
TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser addressed a press conference on Sunday at the PTI District Secretariat in Swabi, where he stated that August 5 will be observed as a Black Day across the country. He emphasized that the protests would remain peaceful, abiding by the constitutional and legal framework.
Qaiser also called for the presentation of any evidence against Imran Khan in an open court, arguing that the judiciary’s independence is being compromised by the executive. He asserted that Imran Khan’s rights are being violated, which directly undermines democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
Shahram Khan Tarakai, another PTI leader, added that the protest is not a temporary reaction but a long-term struggle. He affirmed that PTI and TTAP were prepared for a peaceful movement that would continue until their objectives are met, including the protection of constitutional rights and judicial independence.
Qaiser also demanded a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. He expressed concern over the weakening of parliament and noted the disturbing trend of government officials altering speeches in the assembly.
The PTI has prepared a detailed plan for the August 5 protests, with gatherings set to take place in districts across the country. In Peshawar, a rally will start from Hayatabad Toll Plaza, while similar protests are planned for Swabi and Nowshera. The protests are set to begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening, with local PTI leaders capturing video footage of the events to report back to the regional leadership.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, speaking at a rally in Buner, highlighted the widespread discontent following the events of May 9. He claimed that the demand for Imran Khan’s release reflects the will of 70% of Pakistan’s population. Khan stressed that this popular voice cannot be silenced, as it is integral to the principles of democracy.
Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi
The Rawalpindi district administration on Monday imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to stage nationwide protests on Tuesday against the arrest of its founder, Imran Khan.
According to a notification issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, all kinds of rallies, sit-ins, demonstrations, protests, and assembly of more than four persons within the limits of the district have been banned with immediate effect.
The restrictions will remain in place until August 10, it added.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Adiala Jail Abdul Ghafoor Anjum penned a letter to the City Police Officer (CPO), seeking additional security to prevent a possible protest by PTI supporters outside the prison.
In his letter, the jail superintendent noted that there are currently 7,700 inmates in the prison, while its capacity is only 2,174.
“PTI has planned a protest outside the jail on August 5,” the officer said, stressing the need for urgent measures to ensure foolproof security at the facility, where the PTI founder is serving jail terms in multiple cases ranging from treason to terrorism.
Additional police personnel, barriers, and surveillance should be deployed outside Rawalpindi jail to avoid any untoward incident, the letter stated.
Separate requests were also sent to the Home Department, IG Prisons, and RPO for security, it added.
The officer further said that Rawalpindi jail was “very sensitive” due to the presence of political prisoners and terrorists.
Additional security should be deployed from Dahgal Checkpost to Gate No. 5 of Adiala Jail, the letter read.
The country is bracing for a fresh round of protests as the former ruling party has announced it will take to the streets across Pakistan on August 5 — marking two years of Khan’s incarceration — demanding his release and relief for inflation-hit masses.
PTI has repeatedly called for Khan’s release, who has been behind bars for over a year. The deposed prime minister was arrested from Lahore on August 5, 2023, after being sentenced to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts.
The protest call was made by PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser during a press conference on Sunday, jointly addressed by the party’s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan and other leaders in Islamabad.
“August 5 marks the day of the PTI founder’s arrest; we will stage protests on that day,” Qaiser said, referring to the Toshakhana case.
