Islamabad/Lahore, Aug 5 (PTI) - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party organized protest rallies across the country, advocating for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, who was arrested two years ago on corruption charges. The PTI claimed that over 500 of its workers and supporters, who had taken to the streets, were detained by police, primarily in the Punjab province. Khan, aged 72, was taken into custody on August 5, 2023, at his residence in Lahore following a court conviction in a corruption case. Since his arrest, Khan has remained in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, due to convictions in other cases.
The protest was initiated by Khan himself, with the party asserting that a significant number of his supporters participated. Senior PTI leader Zulfi Bokhari, in a statement, highlighted that August 5 marks the second anniversary of Khan's incarceration. He criticized the revocation of Khan's fundamental human rights, limited access to his legal team and family, and scarce contact with political leaders. Bukhari further accused the government of banning gatherings, obstructing main highways, damaging vehicles with party flags, and conducting raids on residences of active party leaders and workers.
The PTI reported over 500 arrests in Punjab alone, predominantly in Lahore. They criticized the suppression of democracy and human rights, calling the treatment of Pakistani citizens shameful under the current regime. Despite this, the PTI plans to peacefully continue the protests for the day, accusing the government of being fragile even while in power. The protesters, the party said, came out in large numbers to oppose what they termed as a “fascist regime.”
Police in Punjab, governed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, apprehended PTI supporters for allegedly breaching Section 144, which bans the gathering of four or more people. A Punjab Police spokesperson emphasized that violations of Section 144 would not be tolerated, justifying the arrests made in this regard. Due to apparent restrictions on media coverage of PTI rallies, videos of police actions against party workers went viral on social platforms, showing harsh treatment even towards elderly supporters.
Yet, the PTI’s lawyers' rally on Lahore's Mall Road managed to proceed, with police taking a cautious stance. Protests emerged in various areas, including Okara, Sheikhupura, and Jhang. Incidences of clashes between police and Khan’s supporters were reported. One notable incident involved the windscreen of PTI chief organizer in Punjab, Aliya Hamza, being shattered after an alleged attack on her vehicle by police.
Opposition voices within the PTI, including Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, accused the government of using authoritarian tactics. Cheema shared footage of police raids on her residence, decrying such acts as antithetical to democratic values and a violation of civil liberties. Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser added that party supporters intended to converge outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to protest Khan's detention, reiterating Khan’s unwavering resolve to endure imprisonment for the country’s rule of law.
PTI leaders like Ali Muhammad Khan advocated for political dialogue over incarcerating opponents, urging the release of Khan and other political detainees. Ahead of planned demonstrations, Punjab’s government executed stringent security measures, enforcing Section 144 and deploying substantial police forces, particularly around Adiala Jail. The paramilitary Punjab Rangers were also enlisted to secure Rawalpindi, and certain areas, like Adiala Road, were sealed to avert any disorder.
Reports of additional protests surfaced from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, though details were predominantly centered on Punjab activities. Various videos circulated by Khan’s party lacking clear timestamps added some ambiguity about the timeline of these rallies.
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