PTI announces 'peaceful' protests on May 9

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced plans for "peaceful protests" on May 9, stating that his party seeks to address recent developments.

Countrywide protests broke out on May 9, 2023, after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan and Army's installations were also attacked. While the protests were under way, social media was flooded with footage of rioting and vandalism at various spots, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and General Headquarters, the army’s head office in Rawalpindi.

Speaking to media in Rawalpindi, Khan highlighted the obstruction faced by Sher Afzal Marwat in meeting with the PTI founder, emphasizing discussions centered on legal and political concerns.

Khan expressed optimism for the return of 78 contested seats and referenced previous allegations of election rigging as acknowledged by a former Rawalpindi commissioner. Additionally, he mentioned briefing the PTI founder on a meeting with the United States ambassador, during which concerns about human rights violations were raised.

Barrister Khan concluded by urging the Supreme Court (SC) to consider their petition in accordance with the judicial commission's guidelines.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to probe the riots.

Maintaining the talk, Gohar said that his party demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 mayhem with available CCTV footage of the incident.