The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, organized nationwide protests on Friday, denouncing alleged rigging and vote fraud in the by-polls held on April 21 across two dozen national and provincial assembly seats. PTI supporters, responding passionately to the party’s call to action, staged rallies in several cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, vowing to persist until their mandate is reinstated.
Under the local leadership of PTI, hundreds of male and female protesters flooded the streets, waving party flags and carrying portraits of Imran Khan, while demanding his release from incarceration. Demonstrators showed solidarity by wearing masks featuring Khan’s likeness, highlighting their grievances against perceived electoral injustice.
PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen led the protest rally in Islamabad, addressing the crowd after supporters began gathering outside his office. A prisoner van and female police officers were also present at the scene. Police officials stated that 500 personnel were deployed to prevent any disturbances during the protest, with access to the red zone and road blockages strictly prohibited.
Prior to the demonstrations, Islamabad Capital Territory police enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), prohibiting large gatherings to maintain public order. The police warned of strict action against those violating the law, emphasizing that road blockages and disruptions to normalcy would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, police reportedly continued crackdowns on PTI workers, raiding the camp of PTI ticket holder Malik Hamad Ali Awan from PP-151, visiting the election office of PP-149 ticket holder Hafiz Zeeshan, and taking action at the residence of ticket holder Yasir Gilani in Shahdara.
