PTI alleges detention of at least 300 workers in Lahore

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed on Tuesday that at least 300 party workers have been detained in Lahore during nationwide protest against the prolonged incarceration of its founder Imran Khan and other party leaders. 

PTI president for Lahore chapter, Imtiaz Sheikh, said that the preparations for the protest were completed, and the party will observe August 5 as a “black day”. 

All party workers and taxpayers were directed to stage a demonstration in their constituencies.

Speaking to a private news channel, the party leader claimed that the police conducted raids to arrest PTI workers and leaders.

The protest had been reportedly announced by founder Imran Khan, as he has been serving a jail term since August 5, 2023. According to the protest strategy, all prominent leaders in the party would stage a protest outside Adiala jail under the leadership of Imran Khan’s sibling, Aleema Khan. 

Read: Barrister Gohar terms PTI sentencing a blow to democracy 

However, the main protest rally would be supervised by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja under the banner of Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan. 

As per the plan shared by the central government, on the provincial level, PTI MPAs from all provinces would stage a protest in their constituencies. However, ticket holders have also been placed on alert to address the situation. 

In a prior effort to prevent the arrest, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has filed a petition in Islamabad High Court (IHC), aiming to collect details of his anticipated arrest in case any police or the Federal Investigation Agency.

PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser stated that the movement would be peaceful, emphasising that the party had no intention of engaging in any confrontation.

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He suggested that Imran’s release could occur within an hour, but reaffirmed that PTI would not enter into any compromise.

On the other hand, on request, concealing the name, a senior PTI leader admitted “a lack of coordination” in the party, because the party leadership was facing “restrictions” to meet Imran Khan. 

He noted that amidst the PTI protest, the authorities have implemented Section 144 across Islamabad and some parts of Punjab, and a crackdown is being held across Punjab to arrest PTI leaders.