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PTI has called for a nationwide shutdown and street protests to demand Imran Khan’s release, warning of mass road blockades. With political tensions rising, Pakistan braces for potential disruption- how far will the party go to free its leader?
Imran Khan's party calls for nationwide shutdown
Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday declared a nationwide shutdown and announced plans for coordinated street protests aimed at securing the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The party said mobilisation orders have been issued across all provinces, preparing for synchronised demonstrations in major cities.
Senior PTI leaders described the upcoming protests as a constitutional and political effort to secure Khan’s freedom. Imran Khan has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023, spending over a year in custody while facing multiple legal cases. Despite ongoing court proceedings and repeated appeals, he remains incarcerated, contributing to rising political tensions nationwide.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressing party workers, said the movement is being launched on Khan’s direct instructions. “We have clear directions from Imran Khan. Enough is enough; now it’s time to hit the streets,” Gandapur stated. He warned that PTI would “jam every road and street of Pakistan” if the government failed to meet their demands.
PTI leader Sohail Afridi echoed Gandapur’s statements, asserting that the party is preparing for long-term demonstrations and would not relent until “decisive political outcomes” are achieved. Party workers have reportedly been instructed to remain on the streets, forming part of a sustained agitation strategy.
Top intelligence sources indicated that Khan’s arrest has energised PTI cadres across the country, prompting preparations for protests in multiple urban centers. The leadership aims to exert what it calls “institutional accountability” through ongoing public pressure.
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The announcement comes amid heightened political uncertainty in Pakistan, with authorities preparing for potential disruptions to transportation, commerce, and daily life should the shutdown call gain traction. No official response from the Pakistan government or security agencies was immediately available.
Analysts say the development could intensify tensions across the country, as PTI’s mass mobilisation strategy seeks to influence political decisions and pressure state institutions. Citizens and businesses are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating the impact of possible nationwide protests and road blockades.
