ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (Alliance News): Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to postpone its planned nationwide protest on Independence Day, saying the occasion should unite the country rather than become a day of political confrontation.
“Independence Day should be a time for the entire nation to celebrate together, not a day of political confrontation,” Sanaullah said during Geo News’s programme Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal.
His remarks came after PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan urged supporters on August 6 via his X account to “take to the streets in full force” against what the party described as ongoing oppression. The appeal followed PTI’s unsuccessful protest attempt on August 5.
Sanaullah said PTI had the right to protest but stressed the date was inappropriate. “They can hold it on the 13th, 15th, or 16th instead,” he suggested, adding that political demonstrations on national occasions go against traditions.
Referring to PTI’s August 5 protest — marked as the “Day of Exploitation” in solidarity with Kashmiris after India’s revocation of occupied Kashmir’s autonomy — Sanaullah said the party’s much-announced movement failed to materialise.
On August 5, PTI held demonstrations in several cities demanding Imran Khan’s release, claiming at least 300 activists were arrested in Lahore during overnight police raids. PTI also said seven members of the Punjab Assembly were detained but later released, along with other party leaders including Rehana Dar.
In his message, Imran Khan called on supporters to continue peaceful protests “until a true democracy is restored in the country.” The former premier, elected in 2018, was ousted in 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote and has been in prison for two years.
