PTI to challenge references against MPAs

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to launch a nationwide protest movement for the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar said an announcement regarding the movement would be made later this week.

Responding to media queries, Bhachar accused the government of employing multiple failed tactics to dismantle the party's leadership.

He announced that PTI would challenge references filed by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan against 26 opposition lawmakers.

He accused the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating the suspension of the members to appease Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

"We 107 MPAs stand firm. We will not bow before Maryam Nawaz," he said. "On Thursday, we will convene a parallel session of our 'real' assembly outside the Punjab Assembly.