Over 30 PTI Activists Detained in Lahore as Nationwide Movement for Imran Khan's Release Begins

Crackdown Begins as PTI Launches Nationwide Protest

Lahore police have detained more than 30 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists as the party launched a countrywide protest for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The campaign, which kicked off on August 5, marks two years since Khan’s imprisonment.

Imran Khan is currently held at Adiala Jail. He was convicted in a £190 million corruption case linked to state gifts. He also faces several pending terrorism-related trials for the May 9, 2023 riots.

PTI Declares August 5 as Start of Long-Term Movement

According to PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser, August 5 was the official start of the protest movement. However, he emphasized that this should not be mistaken as a final call. The party vows to continue demonstrations until democracy is "restored in its true spirit."

In a powerful message attributed to Khan, he urged the nation to rise against what he called unconstitutional actions. His call has reignited political tensions across the country.

Lahore Police Clamp Down on Protesters

Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran confirmed to Dawn.com that over 30 PTI workers were taken into custody while attempting to block roads in Lahore. He dismissed reports suggesting hundreds had been detained.

At around 1 PM, PTI claimed that Rehana Dar, a senior party member and 2024 election candidate, was among those arrested. The party condemned the act as disgraceful and shared footage showing Dar being dragged into a police van by riot police.

Nationwide Arrests and Raids Reported

Raja Shahbaz Bhatti, president of PTI’s Insaf Youth Wing in North Punjab, stated on X that he sustained injuries during police action. He claimed at least four others were also arrested in the incident.

In Balochistan’s Kohlu district, PTI President Dawood Shah Kakar alleged that several party workers, including five leaders, were arrested during a peaceful protest.

Meanwhile, PTI's Multan chapter reported that police attacked their rally in Lahore, damaging multiple vehicles. One viral video showed a car’s rear window shattered with visible signs of impact.

Mass Raids in Punjab and Kashmir

Asad Qaiser revealed that widespread police raids were launched in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Shayan Bashir, head of PTI’s Punjab media cell, claimed police conducted around 200 raids and arrested many workers. Most were allegedly released only after submitting affidavits.

Ban on Gatherings in Rawalpindi Ahead of Adiala Jail Protest

Ahead of planned demonstrations at Adiala Jail, the Rawalpindi administration imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings till August 10 due to “imminent threats.”

Despite the ban, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, TTAP chief Mahmood Achakzai, and MNA Shandana Gulzar proceeded toward Adiala Jail. They were stopped by police and denied access. A video surfaced showing Achakzai confronting officers, insisting on his constitutional right to protest.

Peshawar Gears Up for Protest Rally

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is expected to lead a major rally in Peshawar. Visuals circulating online show preparations underway, including containers placed as makeshift stages.

Convoys of PTI supporters from Peshawar and Mansehra headed toward Swabi, despite the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway closure. Police failed to disperse protesters, leading to severe traffic blockades in the scorching heat.

AJK Former PM Leads Rally Post-Release

Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, the former AJK premier, led a protest rally just hours after his release. He had been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. PTI shared multiple videos of rallies in various cities.

Imran Khan’s Incarceration Sparks Outrage

Former PTI leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, though no longer officially part of the party, expressed concern over Imran Khan’s continued detention.

Umar stated on X that the state’s narrative against Imran Khan had failed and that the public still views his arrest as politically motivated. He called for a national dialogue involving PTI to resolve the political crisis.

Fawad Chaudhry echoed the sentiment, saying Imran Khan was jailed solely because he stood for democracy and the people's sovereignty.

Conclusion: Political Tensions Soar Amid Protests

The PTI’s ongoing protests show no signs of slowing. With arrests mounting and government crackdowns intensifying, Pakistan's political landscape remains volatile. As Khan’s supporters continue to rally across the country, the demand for his release and restoration of democratic rights has reached new heights.

The coming days will determine whether dialogue prevails—or confrontation escalates further.