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PTI protest: Over 300 held in Lahore; focus shifts to Adiala Jail

pti protest at adiala jail

ISLAMABAD: In a widening crackdown ahead of the PTI protest movement kicking off tomorrow, police in Lahore have detained more than 300 party workers during overnight raids, while the party leadership has summoned all MNAs and senators to Islamabad and finalised a protest outside Adiala Jail.

According to party officials, police raided the residences of several PTI leaders, ticket holders and office-bearers across Lahore. While some detainees were released after submitting surety bonds, door-to-door searches are reportedly continuing in multiple neighbourhoods.

The situation in Lahore remains tense, with PTI Lahore leaders accusing the Punjab government of “breaking all records of fascism” and vowing to hold a peaceful protest in the city despite the Punjab police crack down.

PTI protest strategy

According to sources, the strategy for PTI protest has been finalised. All the party MNAs and senators will gather outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, while provincial assembly members will demonstrate in their respective constituencies.

The protest is being organised under the banner of “Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan” and will be overseen by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. He has already moved the Islamabad High Court to seek details of any cases registered against him, citing fears of arrest.

PTI protest to go on without Mastan Khan and his iconic golden jeep

Party officials said detailed protest schedules from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been sent to the central leadership. Provincial presidents and coordinators are in direct contact with the top leadership and ticket holders have been placed on alert.

Section 144 ahead of PTI protest

In anticipation of unrest following the PTI’s call for rally at Adiala Jail, the Rawalpindi district administration has imposed Section 144 for seven days, banning rallies, gatherings, and the use of loudspeakers.

The restriction will remain in place until August 10.

Authorities are also reportedly searching for several prominent PTI leaders, including opposition figures, the chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council, the parliamentary leader, and other key members.

Moreover, sources claim that Adiala Jail authorities have requested additional security. The jail superintendent has reportedly written to the Rawalpindi CPO, seeking extra personnel for deployment outside Adiala Jail in light of the PTI protest.

PTI protest in Islamabad cancelled

Meanwhile, PTI has called off its central protest rally in Islamabad, with the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter announcing it will instead observe August 5 as a “Black Day” in protest against the arrest of party founder Imran Khan.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will lead a central rally in Peshawar, while separate protests will be held in all districts. Convoys from Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera will converge at the Swabi Interchange. Gandapur has claimed the protest will be “the largest rally in Pakistan’s history,” culminating at Qila Bala Hissar via Ring Road.

PTI has shifted its protest strategy to a more decentralised approach based on national and provincial constituencies. Party sources say if the August 5 protests fail to make an impact, the movement may be extended until August 14.

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