The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had called for nationwide protests on August 5, but the party’s gatherings in Peshawar and Islamabad witnessed a limited public response.
According to reports, the designated protest venues remained largely empty, with few participants seen at the sites. Traffic continued to flow normally in the areas where the demonstrations were expected, and no major congestion or disruptions were reported.
Peshawar remained fully operational throughout the day, while no prominent PTI leaders were seen at the protest venues or on the streets.
The low turnout has exposed poorly planned demonstrations. The footages circulating on social media show that banners installed by PTI along routes leading to the protest sites were torn down by local residents.
Earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party had announced plans to hold protest rallies across the country from August 5.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced during a press conference after a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group.
Barrister Gohar said the meeting was held with a specific agenda; however, the country’s overall political situation was also discussed in detail.
He said the parliamentary party unanimously agreed to organise nationwide protest rallies on August 5. According to the PTI chairman, August 5 marks the day in 2023 when PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested after being sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case.
Barrister Gohar said the parliamentary party condemned the continued imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. He added that the party has approached courts in various cases, but appeals against the decisions are still pending.
The PTI chairman further said that the party’s political committee and the opposition alliance would jointly announce the future course of action. He added that the August 5 protest would be different from previous demonstrations, with further details to be shared at an appropriate time.
PTI leaders said the purpose of the rallies is to present the party’s political position before the public and intensify calls for the release of Imran Khan. The party is expected to announce details regarding the locations, schedule, and nature of the protests later.
Meanwhile, PTI has dismissed media reports claiming that the party had decided to withdraw its boycott of parliamentary standing committees.
PTI Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Malik Amir, said there had been no change in the party’s stance, adding that PTI would continue to maintain its position on the matter.
Rejecting reports that the National Assembly Secretariat had been informed about ending the boycott, Malik Amir termed the claims incorrect and misleading. He said the boycott was initiated on the directives of PTI founder Imran Khan.
He further stated that any decision regarding continuing or ending the boycott would only be taken after consultation with the party founder and following a formal meeting.
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