Crackdown begins ahead of PTI’s August 5 protest; 150 arrested
In a swift preemptive action ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest on August 5, Lahore police arrested over 150 party workers during late-night raids across the city, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
According to the sources, law enforcement agencies raided homes, offices, and political camps of PTI leaders and activists last night.
Police sources claimed that the action was taken to avert any possible disturbance to public order, citing intelligence reports of potentially violent demonstrations.
Officials also confirmed that surety bonds are being taken from PTI workers to ensure compliance with the law. Those accused of inciting violent protests via social media or other channels will be booked under criminal charges.
PTI has designated August 5 as a nationwide protest day, marking the one-year anniversary of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which it terms “unlawful.”
Addressing a press conference on July 29, senior PTI leaders, including Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, accused the government of political revenge after the Supreme Court ruling on reserved seats.
They alleged that the government was targeting PTI lawmakers and using Form 47 as a tool of electoral manipulation.
PTI formally also applied to the Islamabad administration for permission to hold a rally at F-9 Park on August 5. The application, signed by Aamir Mughal and Malik Aamir, states the rally will be peaceful and aimed at reconnecting with the public.
On July 31, PTI Punjab also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking approval to hold a similar protest at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz has requested the court to direct local authorities to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) without further delay.
The petition argues that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but the authorities are intentionally delaying the process to block the rally.
Reporter: Abid Chaudhry