From Lahore to Nationwide Chaos: PTI Kicks Off Protests Demanding Imran Khan’s Release

Political unrest has once again intensified in Pakistan. In demand for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has launched a nationwide movement ahead of the scheduled time. This sudden movement that began from Lahore has raised the political temperature, and security agencies across the city are on high alert.

Although PTI had earlier announced the movement would begin on August 5, senior party leaders formally launched the “Release Imran Khan Movement” over the past weekend by gathering in Lahore. This premature start has created a new stir in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Movement Begins Ahead of Scheduled Date

Late Saturday night, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and senior PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur arrived in Lahore with other leaders and announced the launch of the “Release Imran Khan Movement.” He stated that any movement that starts from Lahore always succeeds nationwide, and history would repeat itself this time as well. Gandapur appealed to party workers to bring this movement to its peak with full energy by August 5. This clearly shows that PTI intends to directly pressure the government and the military.

Police on Alert, Arrests of Workers Begin

As soon as word of PTI’s movement spread, police across Lahore and Punjab were placed on high alert. According to reports, police have already begun taking action to stop the protests. On Sunday, party spokespersons claimed that more than 20 workers were arrested in Lahore who had gathered to welcome the leaders.

PTI's spokesperson alleged that Punjab Police were raiding the homes of party workers and leaders to prevent them from joining the movement. While Punjab Police denied the arrests, a senior officer confirmed that at least 20 workers had been taken into custody.

Leaders Gather in Raiwind, Pressure on Shehbaz Government

PTI leaders have camped near the residence of the Shehbaz Sharif family in Lahore’s Raiwind area, where the strategy for the movement is being formulated. Addressing local workers, Gandapur said this movement would shake all of Pakistan and force the government to bow down.

Imran Khan’s Struggle from Jail

72-year-old Imran Khan has been in jail since August last year. Several legal cases are ongoing against him, which the party claims are politically motivated to isolate him before elections. PTI continues to assert that fair elections in the country are not possible without Imran Khan.

Now that the movement has suddenly gained momentum, political analysts fear a rise in confrontation and unrest in the coming days. The party’s objective is clear—Imran Khan’s release and early elections.