LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing to launch the second phase of its protest campaign on August 14 — coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser announced the plan during a public address in Swabi, stating that following the August 14 demonstrations, the party would mobilize in Sindh.
This announcement came a day after PTI marked the second anniversary of founder Imran Khan’s imprisonment with nationwide protests demanding his release. The demonstrations saw a heavy police crackdown, especially in Lahore, where more than 240 party activists were arrested. According to Lahore DIG Faisal Kamran, 122 were detained for attempting to block roads and disrupt law and order.
In total, over 200 PTI workers were taken into custody in Lahore alone, PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari confirmed. Seven Punjab Assembly members were also arrested but later released by the police, including Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi and MPs Farrukh Javed Moon, Shoaib Amir, and others. Protesters also clashed with police in Karachi and other cities, where authorities had enforced Section 144, banning public gatherings.
In Peshawar, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addressed a rally, vowing continued daily protests and rejecting any military operation in KP, stating Imran Khan had issued firm instructions against it. Gandapur, however, left the rally abruptly, sparking discontent among supporters.
Asad Qaiser further claimed that Imran Khan was offered deals in jail — including relocation to Bani Gala, Nathia Gali, or even abroad — all of which he refused.
Abroad, PTI supporters rallied in Dallas, where former NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri accused the state of punishing Khan for challenging entrenched powers and reiterated the party’s claim that the 2024 elections were rigged.
