ISLAMABAD: On a day when the entire nation is observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir in solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again chosen to stage countrywide demonstrations. This PTI protest is being held to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan, who completed two years in jail on August 5. Critics say this has now become PTI’s pattern — to launch protests on every significant national day or when foreign dignitaries visit Pakistan — creating instability instead of unity.
According to party insiders, the protest plan has been finalised. The schedule states that PTI MNAs and senators will gather outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi under the leadership of Aleema Khan, sister of the party founder. The demonstrations are being organised under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and supervised by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Provincial Assembly members will stage protests in their constituencies, while party leaders from all provinces have already briefed the central leadership. All PTI ticket holders have been told to stay on alert.
Fearing arrest, Salman Akram Raja has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking details of any cases against him by police or the FIA. He named the interior secretary, Islamabad police, FIA, and others as respondents, and completed biometric verification before filing the plea.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser insisted the movement would remain peaceful and claimed Imran Khan’s release could be achieved in an hour, but said the party would not cut any deal. Though not confirmed officially, reports suggest that PTI parliamentarians may attempt to push towards Adiala Jail to show solidarity with the former prime minister.
A senior PTI leader admitted there is poor coordination due to restrictions like Section 144 and denial of meetings with the party founder. He hinted the party might still spring surprises, but declined to share details in the “unfavourable” political climate.
Security measures intensified
Security around Adiala Jail was tightened late Monday night after CPO Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani approved a request from Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum. In his letter, Anjum described the prison as highly sensitive, holding both political and terrorist inmates, and requested additional police and barriers to handle the expected PTI protest.
Extra police have been deployed, checkpoints set up, and officers placed on high alert from Dahgal Checkpost to Gate No 5 of the jail. Section 144 has been enforced around the facility to stop gatherings. Authorities cite an “imminent threat” of disorder, with Adiala Jail already overcrowded — 7,700 inmates against a capacity of 2,174.
The superintendent also sought reinforcements from the Home Department, IG Prisons, and the RPO. Officials say foolproof arrangements are in place to protect the jail and its inmates.
The Federal Capital Administration has also imposed Section 144, banning protests within Islamabad. Rawalpindi DC Hasan Waqar Cheema issued a similar order across the district from August 5 to 10 after the District Intelligence Committee warned of groups planning to disrupt law and order. The notification prohibits gatherings, rallies, and carrying of weapons or any dangerous objects. Pillion riding, hate speech, display of arms, and use of loudspeakers have also been banned.
Permission denied and crackdown begins
The Islamabad administration refused permission for PTI’s local chapter to hold a protest at F-9 Park. PTI’s Aamir Mughal had applied for approval on July 31 but was rejected. Party sources said central leadership had already coordinated with all provincial presidents and chief organisers to move forward with the demonstrations.
In Lahore, police arrested over 300 PTI workers in raids ahead of today’s planned PTI protest. Leaders were detained from their homes to prevent gatherings. PTI’s Lahore leadership accused the Punjab government of “fascism” but vowed to still take to the streets.
Party sources revealed that if today’s PTI protest fails to generate momentum, the agitation might continue until August 14. Plans include constituency-level rallies for national and provincial assembly seats.
Observers say PTI’s decision to hold such a massive protest movement on a day dedicated to Kashmir’s struggle is an irresponsible attempt to divert attention from national causes and destabilise the country.
