PTI vows to continue ‘peaceful’ protests amid crackdown

Former ruling party's emergency meeting decides to uphold 'true freedom for the nation'

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its decision to press on with peaceful demonstrations and instructed its ticket-holders and provincial assembly members to ensure coordinated participation of party workers and supporters.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the party’s political committee on Monday.

According to PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, who shared details on X (formerly Twitter), the committee extensively discussed the ongoing protests, which aim to uphold the Constitution, defend judicial independence, and ensure “true freedom for the nation.”

These discussions followed instructions from PTI's founding chairman Imran Khan.

The committee confirmed that protests at Islamabad’s D-Chowk would continue despite state repression, violence, and "fascist" tactics.

Akram noted that the party’s leadership has directed members to facilitate participation while ensuring the protests remain peaceful.

“The committee resolved not to relent in its resistance to the government’s efforts to undermine democracy by distorting the Constitution through controversial amendments,” Akram said, adding that PTI is determined to oppose any moves to turn the judiciary into a mere rubber stamp for the ruling elite.

PTI also pledged to resist attempts by what it called a “gang of three” and an “extension mafia,” accusing these groups of undermining the democratic process with the help of “mandate thieves” and "political clowns of Form-47."

The committee commended party workers, particularly members of the Insaf Youth Wing and the Insaf Students Federation, for their discipline and perseverance during the protests.

Despite facing government pressure and violence, PTI supporters remained peaceful and avoided provocation, which Akram said thwarted official attempts to incite unrest.

The committee also expressed gratitude to the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for supporting the protesters in a climate of fear and oppression.

“Millions of Pakistanis, both directly and indirectly, have joined this movement, proving that the nation refuses to compromise on its quest for real freedom,” Akram added.

The PTI leadership reiterated its commitment to continue the protest movement under the guidance of Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated.

The party also warned the government against using state power to suppress dissent, urging it to respect the constitution and refrain from constitutional manipulation.

The committee called on pro-democracy and pro-constitution people to join PTI’s cause, asserting that the protestors’ struggle was for the future of the country’s democracy.

It also condemned the arrests of PTI workers and citizens who participated in the demonstrations, labelling the detentions as "senseless and cowardly”.

The party demanded the immediate release of those arrested and instructed the Insaf Lawyers Forum to provide legal support to the detained individuals.

PTI also confirmed its participation in the Jamaat-e-Islami demonstration, which will mark the one-year anniversary of Israeli attacks on Gaza. PTI pledged its solidarity with the Palestinian people.