PTI supporters mobilise nationwide ahead of protest call

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began mobilising from various parts of the country on Monday, ahead of the party’s official protest call. The movement comes as PTI marks two years since the imprisonment of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Early mobilisations were reported in various regions, where PTI workers voiced demands for Imran’s immediate release.

In Lahore, a large crowd rallied under the leadership of PTI figure Shaukat Basra, marching through key city roads with party flags and chanting pro-Imran slogans.

In Okara, PTI leader Mehr Abdul Sattar led a motorcycle rally, where participants raised the slogan, “Release our Khan.” Convoys were seen moving towards a central point as part of the mobilisation effort.

The PTI Insaf Youth Wing also launched its first convoy from District Mohmand, signalling growing grassroots momentum even before the formal call to protest was made public.

In Sheikhupura, a protest movement was initiated by Punjab Assembly Member Waqas Mehmood Maan, who also serves as the Senior Vice President of the party’s Kisan Wing in Punjab. A significant number of farmers joined the protest, demanding the release of the incarcerated former prime minister.

Meanwhile, a PTI leader claimed that police attacked her vehicle and injured her as she attempted to participate in a peaceful demonstration.

According to the statement, the incident occurred while Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza Malik accompanied her. The leader further alleged that authorities were not allowing even peaceful protests to proceed.

A convoy from Tehsil Tall is currently heading towards Hangu.

Former Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri wrote on X that “In Lahore, before overnight raids on the homes of PTI leaders and workers, individuals in plain clothes were seen breaking CCTV cameras.

According to the Punjab IG: ‘Don’t abuse the force—those in uniform stay awake at night for your safety.’

More than six MPAs have been arrested in Lahore. Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi has been detained.

MPAs Farukh Javed Moon, Colonel Shoaib, Nadeem Sadiq Dogar, Khawaja Salahuddin, Aminullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak have also been arrested.

Furthermore, preparations for protests have also been completed in various constituencies across Lahore.

According to PTI Lahore President Imtiaz Shaikh, the party will hold strong demonstrations in multiple areas of Lahore, and an attempt will be made to stage a central power show at one location. However, given the situation, an alternative plan has also been prepared.

Meanwhile, the party claims that, to stop the protest, police have detained more than 300 workers from Lahore and are conducting raids on the homes of party leaders.

On the other hand, in anticipation of a possible protest call by PTI, Rawalpindi Police have put in place extensive security measures, with over 4,000 officers deployed across the city, the City Police Officer (CPO) said Monday.

Special arrangements have been made around Adiala Jail, including the deployment of Right Management Force units to strengthen control in sensitive areas. Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi, and authorities have vowed to ensure its full enforcement.

According to the CPO, law enforcement is monitoring the situation through Safe City cameras and other surveillance tools.

Any violation of the law will prompt immediate action, he said, adding that no individual or group will be allowed to disturb public life.

Police pickets and patrolling teams have been activated citywide as part of efforts to maintain law and order. The CPO reiterated that the rule of law and public peace will be upheld at all costs.