TTAP convoy reaches Lahore to show support for Imran Khan’s sisters

Convoy reports assault, vehicle damage en route to Lahore; Achakzai urges unity for ‘Respect the Vote’ movement

A convoy of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP), an alliance of opposition parties, reached Zaman Park in Lahore on Thursday to express solidarity with the sisters of incarcerated former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.

Led by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the convoy comprised around 70 vehicles carrying senior opposition leaders and members of the Punjab Assembly, including Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi. A collective prayer was offered before the caravan departed.

Other TTAP leaders, including Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Achakzai, along with opposition MPAs, led a large group of supporters from Rawalpindi towards Lahore, with PTI supporters chanting slogans along the route.

تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان کی قیادت کا لاہور امد پر شاندار استقبال pic.twitter.com/N5GD7W5CuK

— Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) January 8, 2026

However, the convoy was allegedly blocked before reaching Lahore, triggering confrontations with law enforcement personnel. Participants claimed that around 40 vehicles were damaged, with windows smashed, and that several individuals were assaulted. Opposition leaders alleged they were specifically targeted during the incident.

MPs Tanveer Aslam Raja and Malik Fahad Masood, who were travelling from Rawalpindi to Lahore, were reportedly attacked by masked individuals.

Condemning the alleged police action near Kharian, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi said: “We set out peacefully for Lahore from Islamabad. The police attacked our vehicles with batons, causing damage. What is the government trying to achieve — paralyzing the Punjab Assembly in the future?”

Despite the obstruction, the convoy eventually reached Zaman Park later in the evening. Speaking to the media, Allama Nasir Abbas denounced what he termed the “tyranny of the rulers”.

“The oppressors thought they could separate the founder of PTI from the people. We have come out to save our homeland and remove tyranny,” he said, warning that those responsible would face consequences. He further alleged that lawlessness prevailed on Punjab’s roads and accused the government of attempting to rule through fear.

Echoing similar views, TTAP chief Achakzai stressed the peaceful nature of the march. “We have not come to insult anyone. Lahore is our city, our heart,” he said, recalling past political rallies on the GT Road.

He criticised the government for prioritising the interests of the wealthy over the poor, adding that nationwide shutdowns planned for February 8 would pave the way for talks, but only once the supremacy of the constitution and transparent elections were ensured.

He also extended an invitation to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif to join its campaign in support of PTI founder, urging unity to strengthen the “Vote to Honour” movement.

Achakzai recalled the political rallies along GT Road, noting that Nawaz Sharif had previously mobilised crowds there under the same slogan. “I call on Nawaz Sharif to come forward and march with us again to reinforce the message of ‘Vote to Honour.’ We have taken to the streets to end tyranny. Come, walk with us,” he said.

Achakzai also called on the police to uphold the law, adding that talks could only take place once the constitution was respected.

According to the program, a press conference was scheduled to be held at Data Darbar in Lahore. However, after the administration closed Data Darbar, the leadership of TTAP proceeded to Zaman Park, the residence of the founder of PTI, where a heavy police presence had been deployed. The media briefing was conducted while standing on the road.

چیئرمین تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان محمود خان اچکزئی اور وائس چیئرمین تحریک تحفظ آئین پاکستان سینٹر علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس کی قائد عمران خان کی رہائش گاہ زمان پاک کے بار میڈیا سے گفتگو pic.twitter.com/ZjmZWxNGcn

— Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) January 8, 2026

Alongside the TTAP leadership, Opposition Leader of the Punjab Assembly, Moin Riaz Qureshi, PTI Punjab Focal Person Brigadier Mushtaq, and other opposition members of the Punjab Assembly were also present. On this occasion, workers and assembly members raised slogans in support of the founder of PTI.

Separately, TTAP alleged that Raja Mustafa Haider, son of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, along with Amjad Niazi and Zafar Gondal, were illegally arrested near Gujrat, calling it a blatant violation of the constitution and an abuse of state authority.

Earlier, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain said permission to use Zaman Park as a base for the campaign had been granted a month earlier, adding that PTI had raised no objection.

He further claimed that on Wednesday, police action was carried out against PTI leaders and workers in Jhelum, including arrests, raids on homes and harassment. He alleged that the residence of the party’s district general secretary was ransacked and the district president was arrested.