LAHORE:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans for peaceful demonstrations across Punjab on Tuesday, August 13, the eve of Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day. The protests are intended to call for the release of several detained party leaders and workers, including PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.
Hammad Azhar, Acting President and General Secretary of PTI Central Punjab, confirmed that the party will stage a major demonstration at Liberty Chowk in Lahore at 11pm on August 13. The protest will feature a significant turnout of PTI supporters and will be marked by the display of national and party flags.
Azhar emphasised that the demonstrations aim to secure the release of Imran Khan alongside other prominent PTI figures including Bushra Bibi, Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab Governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema, former Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and various other detained party members. These individuals have been held for approximately a year under what PTI describes as unjust circumstances.
In a media interaction, PTI leader Shaukat Basra urged for the immediate release of the detained individuals and called on the public to reject “chains of slavery” and to strive for real independence. Basra also criticised the incumbent government, referring to it as illegitimate and lacking public support. He accused the administration of imposing heavy taxes and contributing to soaring inflation, which he claimed have led to widespread public disillusionment.
Earlier, the “Save the Constitution Movement”, led by Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, had announced plans for public rallies on Independence Day. Achakzai criticised the ongoing political system, asserting that despite gaining freedom from British rule in 1947, true freedom remains elusive. He accused both the civil and military establishments of holding disproportionate power, undermining the Constitution’s authority. Achakzai has called for political dialogue to establish constitutional safeguards and improve electoral laws to ensure transparency in future elections.
He also expressed concerns regarding the current government’s legitimacy, alleging that it was formed through a process outlined in fake Form 47, which he described as lacking public endorsement.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar has similarly called for a restoration of parliamentary powers, asserting that the Parliament represents the true will of the people. Qaisar has announced a series of seminars and rallies aimed at mobilising public support for real freedom and constitutional integrity.
These developments come amid ongoing crackdowns against PTI over its alleged role in the riots of May 9, during which military installations, including Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters and Lahore Corps Commander’s House, were targeted by protesters.
In a related statement, Qaisar addressed the controversial legacy of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, describing him as a victim of “cruelty” rather than an enemy of Pakistan. He denounced the practice of labelling dissenters as traitors and advocated for dialogue to resolve issues in Balochistan. Qaisar defended Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s role as a mediator, emphasising that Achakzai’s democratic and constitutional values should not be misconstrued as unpatriotic.
The coordinated protests and public rallies reflect deep-seated tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape, as various factions continue to grapple with issues of governance, legitimacy, inflation and national unity on the eve of the country’s Independence Day.
