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| PTI's protest |
A new protest of pti.
This time, the PTI tried to turn the protest into an organized movement, moving away from the traditional rallies. From Garhi Shahu in Lahore to Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi, activists not only took to the streets to chant slogans but also gained global attention through the #ReleaseImranKhan campaign on social media. PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat claimed that the protest was a manifestation of the “power of the people”, which was a testament to the current government.It will become a symbol of rebellion against the "oppressive system". KPK VISIT
However, the nature of this protest was different from previous ones. PTI organized small rallies in urban centers as well as rural areas, aiming to connect ordinary citizens, especially youth and women. "Our movement is no longer limited to the release of Imran Khan, but it is a fight for the right of self-determination of the Pakistani people," said Kanwal Shozab, president of the women's wing.
Government response and controversies.
The government took strict measures to deal with the protests. Section 144 was imposed in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while several activists faced pre-trial arrests. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi termed the PTI protest as an "anti-national agenda" and said it was an attempt to damage the sanctity of Kashmir Solidarity Day.The PTI reacted strongly to this statement and accused the government of using the Kashmir issue for political gain.
Videos viral on social media showed police baton-charging peaceful protesters, heightening tensions. Despite this, PTI workers continued their movement in an organised manner on WhatsApp groups and X, showing that the party is adopting a new strategy in the digital age.
Imran Khan's message and party strategy.
Imran Khan's message from Adiala Jail inspired activists. He said, "My imprisonment is a war for the future of Pakistan. This war is not for me, nor for the PTI alone, but for every Pakistani who wants justice and freedom." His message gave the protest a broader ideological dimension.The PTI has tried to balance the court battle with the public movement this time. The party’s team of lawyers announced that they would file fresh appeals in the Toshakhana and other cases, while on the political front, leaders are holding village-level meetings to mobilise the masses. However, questions have also been raised about the strategy by some leaders within the party."We are protesting, but it is not wise to close the door to negotiations," a senior leader said privately.
Public reaction and future prospects.
Public reaction was mixed. While PTI supporters participated in large numbers, some citizens criticized the protests for disrupting daily life. A Karachi resident wrote on X, “We are with Imran Khan, but the closure of roads is disturbing the common man.” This shows that PTI needs to take more steps to make its movement more people-friendly. IMRAN KHAN
Experts believe that the protest could bring a new turn in Pakistani politics. Political analyst Hassan Askari said that "the PTI movement, although enthusiastic, needs unity with other opposition parties and a clear roadmap to succeed." On the other hand, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry claimed that the protest would prove to be "the final nail in the coffin of the government."
The result.
The PTI’s protest on the occasion of Imran Khan’s two-year imprisonment is not just a political demonstration but a message to the Pakistani people to fight for their rights. However, in the context of government pressure, internal challenges, and economic problems, the future of this movement is uncertain. Will this protest give a new direction to Pakistani politics or will it prove to be another failed attempt? The decision will be made in the coming days.