Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced nationwide protests to mark three years since party founder Imran Khan’s imprisonment. The party plans demonstrations across the country while making a major gathering in Peshawar the centrepiece of its campaign. PTI leaders have urged supporters to participate peacefully and call for Imran Khan’s release. Meanwhile, administrative restrictions in some cities have created uncertainty around planned gatherings.
Peshawar Rally to Lead PTI Protests
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party would hold a major public meeting in Peshawar. Regional and local party organisations in other provinces will organise demonstrations according to their circumstances.
“It cannot be ignored that raids and crackdowns have been launched against PTI workers in other provinces, particularly Punjab,” he said.
Akram stressed that the protests would remain peaceful. “However, we expect that voters who supported PTI in the Feb 8 general elections will come out of their homes and show solidarity with Imran Khan,” he added.
The party also appealed to supporters to raise their voices for democracy, constitutional rights, the rule of law and what it described as the people’s right to govern.
Imran Khan’s Sisters Denied Jail Meeting
Imran Khan’s sisters and PTI lawyers visited Adiala jail before the planned protests. However, authorities did not allow them to meet the incarcerated former prime minister.
Aleema Khan said the movement for Khan’s release had already started. She also expressed hope that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would announce the next phase of the campaign.
PTI focal person Advocate Awais Younas Chaudhry confirmed that party lawyers had also reached Adiala jail. According to him, they were not permitted to meet Khan.
PTI Plans Major Peshawar Demonstration
The PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter plans to hold a protest rally near the Motorway in Peshawar. Provincial President MNA Junaid Akbar Khan, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other senior party leaders are expected to attend.
Party officials said the leadership could announce its future strategy for securing Imran Khan’s release during the gathering.
The Peshawar event is therefore expected to play a central role in the party’s latest campaign. PTI supporters from different areas may also participate in the demonstration.
Karachi Protest Faces Uncertainty
In Karachi, PTI plans to demonstrate outside the Karachi Press Club. However, party officials remain concerned about the possible response from local authorities and law enforcement agencies.
PTI Karachi President Raja Azhar said the party had repeatedly requested permission for the protest. He added that officials had not approved or rejected the application.
According to Azhar, the lack of a response has raised concerns about possible road closures and restrictions around the protest venue.
Rawalpindi Administration Rejects Rally Request
The Rawalpindi district administration rejected PTI’s application for a public gathering at Liaquat Bagh. Officials cited security concerns while denying permission for the rally.
Despite the decision, PTI announced plans for demonstrations at Liaquat Bagh, Murree Road and other locations across the city. Party leaders also alleged that police arrested nine PTI activists from different parts of the district.
PTI District President Chaudhry Ameer Afzal met Deputy Commissioner Capt (Retired) Nadeem Nasir to discuss the matter. The deputy commissioner reportedly told him that the District Intelligence Committee had rejected permission.
The decision was linked to security arrangements for Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir, which was scheduled for August 5.
Following the meeting, Afzal said the party would proceed with street protests despite the restrictions.
“We will stage protest demonstrations at Liaquat Bagh, Murree Road and other parts of the garrison city to demand the release of Imran Khan,” he said.
With demonstrations planned in several cities, PTI’s campaign now faces a mix of political mobilisation and administrative restrictions. The party’s emphasis on peaceful protests will remain crucial as supporters gather to demand Imran Khan’s release.
