PTI Warns of Renewed Protests, Demands Justice for Detained Leaders

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Wednesday called on the National Assembly to ensure justice for his party, warning that failure to address grievances might force PTI supporters back to the streets in protest.

Speaking on the floor of the assembly, Barrister Gohar criticised the government’s handling of PTI’s peaceful protests, particularly in light of the alleged violence and injustices faced by party supporters.

“Our people were wronged… bullets were fired at them. In any civilised nation, such actions against peaceful protesters are unthinkable,” he stated.

Gohar called for an independent commission to investigate the events of May 9, which saw widespread clashes and detentions. He urged lawmakers to address institutional shortcomings, accusing the assembly of failing to protect its members and their families.

“Oppression grows but ultimately fades away,” he remarked, stressing the need for accountability and reforms to prevent such incidents from recurring. Reiterating that PTI protests were peaceful, Gohar argued there was no evidence of weapons among demonstrators.

Civil Disobedience Threatened

While the PTI has not yet announced plans for street protests, the party has threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement later this month if the government does not meet its demands, including the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Calls for Imran Khan’s Release

Separately, senior PTI leader Omar Ayub, speaking outside the Parliament House, demanded the release of party founder Imran Khan, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and other detained leaders. Ayub confirmed that a request for Chaudhry’s production order had been submitted to the Senate.

During the media briefing, Ayub criticised the government’s handling of the May 9 and November 24 incidents, calling for judicial inquiries into both events. He highlighted casualties and missing persons within the party ranks, stating:

“Twelve of our people have been killed, over 200 are missing, and 5,000 have been detained. Who fired the bullets, and why? The government has provided no answers.”

Ayub also accused Defence Minister Khawaja Asif of resorting to personal attacks rather than addressing critical issues.

Demand for Fair Trials

Ayub reiterated PTI’s demand for the release of all detained members, including Hassan Niazi and those undergoing military trials. “We call for the immediate release of the PTI founder and all incarcerated leaders,” he said, reaffirming the party’s stance against unjust detentions and its commitment to seeking justice and accountability.