The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a fresh wave of protests across six districts in Punjab, aimed at advocating for judicial independence, the supremacy of the constitution, and the release of PTI leader Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail.
Despite facing challenges from previous rallies in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, the party is now shifting its focus to district-level demonstrations.
In an announcement made on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), PTI’s political committee revealed that protests will take place between October 11 and October 14.
The districts scheduled for these protests include 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.
The party also indicated that it may call for a nationwide protest in Islamabad, depending on discussions among its leadership.
PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser confirmed the shift in strategy, explaining that the party would focus on smaller, district-level rallies instead of concentrating on larger cities. “We are finalizing a detailed plan for district-level protests, and a new schedule will be announced soon,” Qaiser stated.
In a video message to PTI supporters, PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood praised the dedication of party workers in Lahore who continued to participate in demonstrations on October 5, despite facing significant challenges.
He reassured supporters that the protests would persist until Imran Khan’s release, noting that over 150 party members and leaders had been arrested during peaceful demonstrations.
Mahmood also acknowledged PTI’s legal team in Lahore, which successfully fought to dismiss charges against more than 800 party workers. He expressed optimism that many detained members would be released soon, allowing them to reunite with their families.
PTI has also criticized the use of force by law enforcement and local administrations during previous protests. The party shared footage 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 protests mark a continued effort by PTI to campaign for judicial independence, constitutional supremacy, and the release of Imran Khan, while emphasizing that they will now concentrate their efforts on district-level protests across the country.
