Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged nationwide protests across multiple cities on Friday, including Islamabad, Peshawar and Lahore, against the imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan, rising inflation and increasing fuel prices.
The protests were organised despite the enforcement of Section 144 and strict police arrangements aimed at limiting public gatherings. A day earlier, PTI and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) had jointly announced a nationwide protest campaign to raise concerns over political issues, inflation and law and order conditions in the country.
Islamabad Protest
In the federal capital, PTI workers and leaders gathered on Lehtrar Road near Taramri Chowk under the supervision of PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal and General Secretary Malik Aamir Ali. Senior party leaders, women’s wing members, youth representatives and supporters also participated in the demonstration.
During the protest, participants demanded the release of Imran Khan and called for proper medical treatment for the former prime minister. Protesters also criticised rising inflation, increasing petroleum prices and deteriorating law and order conditions.
PTI leaders stated that although Section 144 had already been imposed in Islamabad, they decided to continue the protest in support of their party founder and to highlight the economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
The party leadership warned that if the government failed to address public concerns, PTI could launch a larger protest movement after Eid.
Protest In Peshawar
Separately, PTI supporters also staged a protest outside the Peshawar Press Club. Speaking at the gathering, PTI leader Shandana Gulzar said the protest movement aimed to secure the release of Imran Khan and draw attention to security issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
She alleged that innocent civilians, including women and children, were being affected by violence in tribal districts and criticised the federal government over economic challenges and resource distribution in the province.
Shandana Gulzar further stated that inflation and rising living costs had made it increasingly difficult for families to manage household expenses, education and daily necessities.
Lahore Demonstration
In Lahore, the Punjab chapter of Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan organised a protest outside the Lahore Press Club in solidarity with Imran Khan and other political prisoners.
The protest was attended by PTI workers, political activists and members of the Haqooq-e-Khalq Movement. Participants criticised what they described as political repression in Punjab and alleged that authorities conducted raids on activists’ homes before the demonstration.
Political leaders, including PTI’s Shayan Bashir Nawaz, Mian Akram Usman, Ammar Ali Jan and Haider Butt, addressed the protesters and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners.
The demonstrations reflect ongoing political tensions in Pakistan as opposition parties continue criticising the government over inflation, fuel prices and political matters affecting the country.
