Islamabad: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has started coming back to his old colors after being acquitted in many cases and his remand being rejected in the May 9 violence case. Imran’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has now announced a nationwide movement for the release of all its jailed leaders. This has created a stir in the Pakistan government. The administration has made preparations to deal with possible clashes with PTI supporters after this announcement. Apart from PTI, right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced a protest in Islamabad against the high prices of electricity and other commodities.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold nationwide protests for the release of party founder Imran Khan (71) and other leaders and workers. Khan was arrested on August 5 last year after being convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then he is in jail in various cases. Although Khan, who came from cricket to politics, has got bail or his conviction has been quashed, he has still not been released. According to PTI, she will protest in front of the ‘National Press Club’ in the capital, while Jamaat-e-Islami has planned to hold a protest at the famous ‘F-Chowk’ located in front of the Parliament House.
Police imposed section 144 in Islamabad
Meanwhile, police in Islamabad have imposed Section 144, banning all types of gatherings, including protests, in the federal capital. Additionally, the ‘Red Zone’ has been sealed and entry has been prohibited. Major government offices and embassies are located in this zone. Police also partially closed the Islamabad Highway at the Faizabad Interchange, the main entry point from Rawalpindi to Islamabad. Apart from this, Punjab Home Ministry imposed Section 144 in the province to ban all protests and gatherings.
PTI workers arrested before agitation
PTI has claimed that its party leaders are being arrested ahead of nationwide protests. He said Punjab Police raided the house of PTI leader Raja Basharat in Rawalpindi. He said dozens of people, including lawmaker Javed Iqbal, were arrested in Rahim Yar Khan city. The party said police raided the camp office of PTI leader Mehar Naimullah in Lahore and arrested five of his friends, although Naimullah managed to escape from ther