PTI Kicks Off Protest; Govt Deploys Rangers to Block It

News Desk 

Rawalpindi/Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday launched what it termed as the beginning of a nationwide movement for justice, coinciding with the second anniversary of party founder Imran Khan’s incarceration.

In response, the Rawalpindi administration imposed Section 144 across the district from August 4 to August 10, banning all public gatherings, rallies, and motorcycle pillion riding.

According to a notification issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, Adiala Road — the route leading to Adiala Jail, where the former premier has been detained since 2023 — was sealed with containers.

A red alert has been issued around the prison premises, with Punjab Rangers and Rawalpindi Police conducting joint patrols. Anti-riot police equipped with batons and tear gas have been stationed at all barricades to preempt any law-and-order situation.

Traffic has been diverted from Kacheri to Adiala Jail and Chakri Motorway Interchange to alternative routes. The district administration warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to remove the official blockades.

PTI Vows to Continue Struggle

Senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, in a video message, declared August 5 as not just a protest but the launch of a broader movement.

“Two years ago, on this very date, a fascist government unlawfully arrested Imran Khan. Since then, he has remained behind bars without justification,” Qaiser said.

“Our judiciary must deliver justice and merit-based decisions, but following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, it seems increasingly subservient to the executive.”

Criticizing military operations in the merged tribal districts, he questioned their effectiveness in establishing peace. “We will not permit further operations on our land. Our people demand peace, employment, and education — not violence or instability,” he added.

Qaiser emphasized that the movement was not exclusive to PTI but a “national struggle for the rule of law, justice, and equal rights.”

Govt Terms PTI a ‘Fascist Outfit’

Responding to PTI’s protest call, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari launched a scathing critique of the party during a press conference in Lahore. She accused PTI of undermining national institutions and promoting chaos.

“August 5 is a solemn day when the nation stands united with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir against Indian atrocities. Instead of showing solidarity, PTI is choosing to create internal unrest,” Bokhari said.

She further criticized PTI’s leadership for what she termed “hypocrisy,” alleging that Imran Khan had previously conducted an $18 million PR campaign in the United States while now championing slogans of ‘true freedom’.

Bokhari condemned PTI’s protest plans as “politically reckless and insensitive,” especially given the timing. “When Kashmir was under lockdown, PTI was in power and remained silent. Now they talk of guerrilla warfare against the state — this will not be tolerated,” she warned, promising action against those inciting unrest.

Development Agenda and Foreign Relations

Highlighting the government’s ongoing development efforts, Bokhari listed a range of provincial initiatives, including the deployment of 15 anti-smog guns in Lahore, a QR-code-based afforestation drive, and infrastructure upgrades in public schools.

She noted that women from underdeveloped areas like Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur had been inducted into the armed forces as part of the government’s gender inclusion policies.

The minister also mentioned plans for a 1,000-bed cancer hospital and recent laptop and scholarship schemes for students.

On the diplomatic front, she termed the recent visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Lahore as “historic,” noting that both nations had agreed to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion.

The meeting with PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, she said, reflected the deep cultural ties and mutual respect between Iran and Pakistan.

Mocking PTI’s previous protest calls, Bokhari added, “From November 26’s final call to multiple hollow threats, PTI has consistently failed to follow through. Their pattern is clear: they announce, shout, and retreat — ultimately defeating themselves.”