Despite facing challenges after organizing public rallies in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a new series of protests across various districts in Punjab, including Lahore.
On Tuesday, the party’s political committee announced via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that protests would occur simultaneously in six Punjab districts from October 11 to October 14.
The 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 is also considering a national public rally in Islamabad, which is pending further committee discussions.
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Asad Qaiser, a senior PTI leader, confirmed a strategic shift to focus on district-level protests rather than larger cities and the capital.
“A detailed plan for district-level protests is nearing completion, and we will announce a new public rally schedule soon,” stated Qaiser.
In a video message, PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood commended Lahore workers and residents for their bravery during the October 5 demonstrations against “state fascism.”
He emphasized that the protests would persist until Imran Khan’s release, noting that over 150 PTI members and leaders were detained during peaceful protests.
Mahmood also lauded the PTI Lahore legal team for their relentless efforts to dismiss charges against more than 800 workers, ensuring the legal team was striving to secure their release before Saturday.
PTI criticized the excessive force used by law enforcement and local administrations, claiming it aimed to demoralize supporters.
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As evidence, PTI circulated a video showing the use of heavy machinery by Punjab Police and local authorities to demolish the house of PTI MNA Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Warraich in Rahim Yar Khan.
Asad Qaiser reiterated the new focus on district-level protests. “We are finalizing a plan for district-level actions, and our spokesperson will announce the details shortly,” he said.