Six MPAs Detained in Punjab Amid PTI’s Nationwide Protest Drive

More than six PTI members of the Punjab assembly have been arrested in Lahore and another has been detained as the authorities continue their crackdown on the party’s leadership.

The party has claimed the authorities have detained over 300 workers in Lahore and are conducting raids at the homes of party leaders.

Early mobilisations were reported in various regions, where PTI workers voiced demands for Imran’s immediate release.

In Lahore, a large crowd rallied under the leadership of PTI figure Shaukat Basra, marching through key city roads with party flags and chanting pro-Imran slogans.

In Okara, PTI leader Mehr Abdul Sattar led a motorcycle rally, where participants raised the slogan, “Release our Khan”.

Convoys were seen moving towards a central point as part of the mobilisation effort.

The PTI Insaf Youth Wing also launched its first convoy from District Mohmand, signalling growing grassroots momentum even before the formal call to protest was made public.

In Sheikhupura, a protest movement was initiated by Punjab Assembly MPA Waqas Mehmood Maan, who also serves as the Senior Vice President of the party’s Kisan Wing in Punjab.

A significant number of farmers joined the protest, demanding the release of the incarcerated former prime minister.

In Jhang, PTI workers held a protest demanding Imran Khan’s release.

Meanwhile, former PTI member of the National Assembly Aliya Hamza Malik claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that police had attacked the vehicle of and wounded her as she attempted to participate in the peaceful demonstration.

According to the statement, the incident occurred while the party’s Punjab chief organiser, Malik was in the car.

PTI’s Punjab wing further said that authorities were not allowing peaceful protests to proceed.

Former PTI MPA Maj (R) Latasob Satti posted on X that Police attacked MPA Nasir Cheema’s car, smashing its windows.

Former deputy speaker in National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri wrote on X that overnight raids were carried out in the homes of PTI leaders and workers in Lahore and individuals in civvies were seen breaking CCTV cameras.

Meanwhile, Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar issued a statement saying, “don’t abuse the force (police) – those in uniform stay awake at night for your safety”.

Asad Umar wrote on X that two years on, the public still rejects the anti-Imran Khan narrative, viewing his imprisonment as politically motivated.

He urged national leaders to engage with PTI for a constitutional solution, calling it the only way to end the crisis.

Ali Muhammad Khan wrote on X that August 5 marks two years of what he called the unjust imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan.

He said the country’s problems cannot be solved by jailing political opponents, but through political dialogue and demanded the immediate release of Khan and other “innocent political prisoners,”

Arrests made

More than six MPAs have been arrested in Lahore. Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi has been detained.

MPAs Farukh Javed Moon, Colonel Shoaib, Nadeem Sadiq Dogar, Khawaja Salahuddin, Aminullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak have also been arrested.

PTI has been preparing to join the protest from various constituencies across Lahore.

According to PTI Lahore President Imtiaz Shaikh, the party will hold strong demonstrations in multiple areas of Lahore, and an attempt will be made to stage a central power show at one location. However, given the situation, an alternative plan has also been prepared.

The party claims that, to stop the protest, police have detained more than 300 workers from Lahore and are conducting raids on the homes of party leaders.

A PTI supporter criticised ongoing state actions against party members, saying fear of even elderly supporters shows how deeply Imran Khan remains rooted in the public’s hearts.

PTI Islamabad posted on X that Rehana Imtiaz Dar was forcibly arrested from Aiwan-e-Adl.

Security measures

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, police have put in place extensive security measures, with over 4,000 officers deployed across the city, said the City Police Officer (CPO).

Special arrangements have also been made around Adiala Jail, including the deployment of Riot Management Force units to strengthen control in sensitive areas.

Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi, and authorities have vowed to ensure its full enforcement.

According to a notification issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, public gatherings and political rallies are banned in the garrison city, whose Adiala Jail is the place where the PTI founder Imran Khan has been detained for around 2 years.

Under Section 144, pillion riding on motorcycles and display of weapons are prohibited while loudspeakers cannot be used during this period.

To prevent any law and order situation near Adiala Jail, a red alert has been issued and Adiala Road will be completely sealed with containers.

According to the official notification, the Punjab Rangers will be deployed around the jail and the rangers will conduct joint patrols with Rawalpindi Police.

Anti-riot police equipped with tear gas and batons will also be stationed at all barricades.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began mobilising from various parts of the country on Tuesday, responding to party founder and incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s protest call.

The movement comes as PTI marks two years since the imprisonment of Imran.

Any violation of the law will prompt immediate action, he said, adding that no individual or group will be allowed to disturb public life.

Police pickets and patrolling teams have been activated citywide as part of efforts to maintain law and order.

The CPO reiterated that the rule of law and public peace will be upheld at all costs.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

A convoy from Tehsil Tall is currently heading towards Hangu.

In Balochistan

National highway blocked in Balochistan – Under the leadership of PTI leader Ahsan Ayaz Khetran, the highway connecting Balochistan and Punjab has been closed, causing long queues of traffic.

Qasim Khan Suri wrote on X that the government has illegally arrested several PTI office-bearers and workers in Quetta, Naseerabad, Sibi, and Loralai divisions. We strongly condemn these arrests.