Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially submitted a request to the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 5. The request was filed by PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz, seeking permission for a gathering from 4 PM to 10 PM on the specified date.
According to details, the request aims to secure authorization for a political gathering in support of party founder Imran Khan, marking two years since his arrest.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addressed the media outside the Judicial Complex in Islamabad, declaring that the time for negotiations is over. He stated that Imran Khan will now lead the movement from jail himself. Gohar emphasized that no Senate nomination was made without Khan’s approval, and those who held press conferences after May 9 were not considered for tickets. He added that Mirza Afridi had been nominated by Imran Khan and had remained loyal to the party’s narrative.
Gohar further criticized the continued restrictions, saying that despite two years passing, harsh treatment has not ended. He noted that court orders regarding meetings with Imran Khan are being violated, stating that the last meeting was held by Barrister Saif, followed by Khan’s sisters.
He reiterated that PTI does not need to force people into protests—supporters come out voluntarily—and emphasized that all future decisions would now be under the direct guidance of the party founder.
Earlier, internal disagreements had surfaced within PTI over the planned protest on August 5. Punjab Chief Organizer Alia Hamza reportedly threatened to resign if the protest was not held as planned. In contrast, interim chairman Barrister Gohar, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other central leaders had advocated for initiating the movement within 90 days, leading to friction over the final protest date.
Speculations had already been circulating that PTI might mark the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest with a nationwide protest, but differences within the leadership caused delays and confusion over the announcement.
