- Gandapur leads KP delegation to Punjab’s capital
- Gohar to raise suspension of 26 PTI MPAs
LAHORE: In a major political move, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders arrived in Lahore on Saturday to lay the groundwork for a nationwide protest campaign culminating on August 5, demanding the release of imprisoned party founder Imran Khan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur called the Lahore visit the “formal commencement” of the protest movement.
Prior to their arrival in Punjab, the party’s top brass gathered in Islamabad to deliberate over several pressing issues, including the likely disqualification of suspended Punjab Assembly lawmakers.
Later in the day, a caravan of KP legislators, led by Gandapur and joined by Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, travelled via GT Road to Lahore. During a stopover in Jhelum, Gandapur declared that the protest campaign was now underway, with the Lahore meeting intended to finalise a nationwide strategy ahead of the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s incarceration.
Speaking to the media, PTI’s interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that the party’s lawmakers were convening in Lahore, adding that they would also address the suspension of 26 MPAs by the Punjab Assembly speaker. “The Punjab government has been operating with a fascist mindset for the last two years—it’s time for rationality to take hold,” he remarked.
Despite reports that Punjab police might attempt to block the convoy from entering Lahore, the PTI delegation encountered no major resistance and proceeded smoothly to a Raiwind farmhouse, where they established their camp. However, law enforcement remained active throughout the day, conducting raids at the homes of PTI leaders and supporters. At Shahdra Morr, police detained five party leaders, including Yasir Gillani, who had assembled to receive the caravan.
During a late-night strategy session in Raiwind, CM Gandapur described Lahore as the “political heart of Pakistan” and a natural launchpad for the party’s campaign. “Movements that begin in Lahore find success nationwide—and so will this one,” he said confidently.
He reiterated that Imran Khan’s imprisonment was unjust and urged leaders to coordinate at the provincial level to mobilise protests tailored to local contexts. “Each province should draft and execute its own protest plan, ensuring the campaign reaches its peak by August 5,” he emphasized.
Criticising the role of the establishment, Gandapur said it had long experimented with various forms of rule—including undeclared martial law—resulting in national instability. “This current form of martial law is unofficial but absolute. It’s destroyed the country—and yet those responsible show no regret,” he lamented.
Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar said that CM Gandapur didn’t receive the reception he deserved due to the oppressive political environment in Punjab. He blamed the provincial government for trampling both parliamentary and social norms, pointing out that 11 PTI MPAs were suspended after CM Maryam Nawaz’s assembly appearance, followed by 26 more after her subsequent visit. “This is a clear indication of the fear the ruling party feels towards our 107 tigers in the assembly,” he stated.
Despite facing thousands of FIRs, Bhachar insisted that PTI was undeterred and fully prepared to roll out a robust nationwide protest for the release of Imran Khan, his wife, and other jailed leaders.
Meanwhile, the PTI’s Punjab chapter, under the leadership of Aliya Hamza Malik, had already mobilised workers across the province, assigning roles and responsibilities to ensure the protest drive peaks on August 5.
Before leaving for Lahore, Barrister Gohar clarified to the media that while the party had officially informed the Punjab government about its meeting, there were no plans for a public rally or gathering in the city.
