Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leaders announced the launch of a “peaceful, countrywide protest movement starting tomorrow”. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and Shahram Khan Tarakai held a press conference in Swabi today alongside provincial ministers and members of the provincial assembly (MPAs).
They said, “the movement will remain within the framework of the law and constitution”. They also marked August 5 as a “Black Day,” alleging that former prime minister and founder of PTI Imran Khan was arrested on that date two years ago “without cause”.
Asad Qaiser described Khan as the “country’s leader” and demanded justice for both Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi, adding that bail is their legal right.
Addressing the judiciary, Asad Qaiser alleged political influence over court proceedings, claiming that judges and witnesses were aligned with the government. He also criticised the treatment of opposition leaders in the Senate, stating that legal outcomes appeared predetermined. The PTI leaders also called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan to expedite pending cases against Khan in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The speakers opposed any potential operation by security forces, urging the provincial government to block such actions. They referenced recent instructions from Imran Khan regarding the protest.
The speakers at the press conference said that the government needs to shift spending from fertilizer procurement to education and entrepreneurship. They also spoke on the reopening of trade routes with Afghanistan to promote peace and economic stability.
PTI, once again, reiterated intention to maintain peace and announced that on August 5, participants in the movement would carry white flags, party flags, and the national flag.
Qaiser concluded by saying that the movement will remain peaceful, but workers would respond to any provocation.
PROTEST PLAN ISSUED
PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Media Head Ikram Khatana has issued details of the protest plan for Tuesday (August 5) rally, saying that the party’s preparations have been completed.
In Peshawar, the rally will start from Ring Road Hayatabad Toll Plaza. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will lead the rally, Khatana said in a statement, adding that other leaders will join the rally at Peshawar, Dir Colony, Hazara Khawani and Pir Zakori Bridge. The rally will end at Bala Hisar Fort via Ring Road and GT Road, he added.
Khatana said that the rally will be held at 3 PM and CM Gandapur, along with other PTI leaders, will also address the rally.
