Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser announced on Sunday that all arrangements for the party’s nationwide protest movement, scheduled for August 5, have been finalized.
The protest aims to demand the release of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since his removal from office through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. He is currently facing multiple legal cases, including charges of corruption and terrorism.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Swabi alongside senior PTI leader Shahram Khan Tarakai, Qaiser emphasized that the protest would be peaceful and held strictly within the constitutional and legal framework. “This movement is about justice, not confrontation,” he asserted, adding that PTI is seeking a fair and merit-based trial for its leader. He described August 5 as a significant date in PTI’s political journey, marking the day Imran Khan was arrested—a moment Qaiser called a turning point for the party.
The PTI founder, Imran Khan, has instructed party members to put aside all internal disputes and unite in support of the August 5 movement. According to party leaders, the protest is not only a demonstration of solidarity but a critical moment to press for the release of their incarcerated leader without compromising on principles or engaging in backdoor deals. “His release can happen in an hour, but he will not strike a deal,” Qaiser reiterated.
In a related development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Faraz Mughal responded to speculation surrounding Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s potential resignation. Reports had circulated suggesting Imran Khan may have asked Gandapur to step down if he fails to ensure law and order in the province.
However, Mughal clarified that no official directive or statement to that effect had been issued by the PTI founder. “The KP government operates in line with the PTI founder’s vision. If he instructs CM Gandapur to resign, he will do so immediately,” Mughal said.
Security concerns remain high in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the province has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist incidents. A recent police report revealed that between January and July 2025, there were 476 terrorist attacks reported in the province.
These incidents resulted in the deaths of 121 civilians and injuries to over 300 people. Security forces have also suffered significant losses, with 66 police personnel martyred and 90 injured.
Additionally, 10 Levies personnel lost their lives, 8 were wounded, and the Frontier Corps suffered 48 fatalities and 109 injuries. Other security forces reported 55 deaths and 112 injuries over the same period.
As the August 5 protest approaches, PTI maintains its call for justice and its commitment to peaceful political expression, despite mounting security and governance challenges in the region.
