ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (Alliance News): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has alleged that a party leader and several workers were arrested following the official launch of its nationwide protest movement demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Imran Khan has been behind bars since August 5, 2023, after being convicted in the Toshakhana gifts case. He is currently serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case, with additional charges pending, including terrorism-related allegations tied to the May 9, 2023 violence.
Marking the second anniversary of his imprisonment, Khan had called for a nationwide protest, which the party said would reach its “peak” on August 5. PTI leader Asad Qaiser said the day marked only the beginning of the movement and should not be mistaken as the final call.
The party condemned police action against protesters, especially highlighting the arrest of Rehana Dar, a former PTI candidate from Sialkot who had contested against PML-N leader and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif in the 2024 general elections.
A video released on PTI’s official X account showed police forcing Dar into a van, an act the party called “shameful.”
In a strongly worded statement, PTI accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar of violating all norms of decency and “descending to a new level of depravity.”
Reports of arrests and police crackdowns emerged from different parts of the country. The PTI Bahawalpur account claimed several workers were detained in Kohlu district of Balochistan. Images showed PTI supporters making victory signs while being taken into custody by baton-wielding police.
Meanwhile, PTI Multan alleged that a party rally in Lahore came under attack by police, resulting in property damage, including shattered car windows and other vandalism. Photos posted on social media showed a vehicle with a broken rear window and a gaping hole.
Asad Qaiser stated earlier that police raids had begun in Punjab and Kashmir, and Shian Bashir, head of PTI Punjab Media Cell, claimed over 200 such raids had taken place, with numerous arrests of party workers accused of participating in the protests.
