Despite facing challenges in organizing public rallies in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a new series of protests across multiple districts in Punjab, including Lahore, the provincial capital.
On Tuesday, the opposition party’s political committee shared the news via X (formerly Twitter), stating that simultaneous protests would occur in six districts of Punjab from October 11 to October 14. These demonstrations aim to promote constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and call for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail.
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The updated protest schedule includes rallies in Multan and Sahiwal on October 11, Gujranwala and Sargodha on October 12, Dera Ghazi Khan on October 13, and Lahore and Faisalabad on October 14. PTI has also indicated plans for a nationwide rally in Islamabad, pending further discussions among its political committee.
PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser confirmed the party’s revised strategy, which focuses on district-level protests rather than larger gatherings in major cities and the capital. “We are finalizing a comprehensive plan for district-level protests, and a new public rally schedule will be announced soon,” Qaiser stated.
In a video message to supporters, PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood commended the courage of party workers and Lahore residents who participated in demonstrations on October 5, despite facing “state fascism.” He reaffirmed that protests would continue until Imran Khan is released and mentioned that over 150 PTI members and leaders were detained during peaceful demonstrations.
Mahmood praised PTI’s legal team in Lahore for their efforts to dismiss cases against more than 800 workers and expressed hope that they would be reunited with their families before Saturday. He reiterated the party’s commitment to advocating for judicial independence, constitutional supremacy, and the release of its leader.
PTI also condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement and local administrations, claiming these actions were intended to demoralize their supporters. They shared a video showing Punjab Police and local authorities using heavy machinery to demolish the home of PTI MNA Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Warraich in Rahim Yar Khan. The party will now concentrate on district-level protests instead of heading to Islamabad and other major cities.
