Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers are heading to Islamabad today (Sunday) for a “do-or-die” protest against the government. The call for the protest comes from PTI’s imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, who has urged his supporters to march on the federal capital.
PTI has outlined four demands: revoking the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoring democracy and the Constitution, returning the public’s mandate, and releasing all “innocent political” prisoners. Despite orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barring protests in violation of the peaceful assembly law, caravans of PTI workers, led by their leaders, are on their way to the capital.
The protests coincide with the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, scheduled for November 25-27. To manage the security situation, the government has imposed Section 144 in Islamabad for two months, deploying 8,000 additional police officers along with Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) units. Similarly, Section 144 has been imposed in Punjab for three days, from November 23 to 25, with over 10,700 police personnel on standby. Communication services in major cities have also been restricted to prevent unrest.
The PTI has staged numerous demonstrations since Imran Khan’s ouster as prime minister in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion. Below is a timeline of the party’s significant protests and their impact:
1. May 25-26, 2022: Azadi March
PTI’s “Azadi March” to Islamabad led to clashes between party workers and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Police used tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to break roadblocks in Lahore. Despite reaching the capital’s Red Zone, PTI workers engaged in violent clashes, injuring Rangers, police, and FC personnel. The march ended with Khan issuing a six-day ultimatum to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government to dissolve assemblies and announce elections.
2. October 28 – November 27, 2022: Second Long March
Khan launched another march from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding early elections. This was disrupted when Khan was shot and injured during a rally in Wazirabad. Despite his absence, the march continued until the end of November, when Khan announced the party’s withdrawal from assemblies, thanking supporters for their participation.
3. May 9, 2023: Violent Protests Post-Arrest
Following Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case, widespread protests erupted nationwide. The violence resulted in multiple deaths, attacks on public property, and damage to military installations. Thousands of PTI workers were detained, and senior leaders faced legal action. The protests marked a turning point as many party leaders distanced themselves from PTI after the riots.
4. March 2024: Protests Against Election Rigging
PTI held demonstrations across various cities, alleging manipulation of the February 8 general elections. The party accused the government of altering election results via Form 47 and staged protests both inside and outside the parliament.
5. September 2024: Demand for Imran Khan’s Release
Amid extraordinary security arrangements, PTI organized a public gathering in Sangjani, Islamabad, calling for Khan’s immediate release. Despite roadblocks, caravans led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reached the venue. PTI issued a two-week deadline for Khan’s release, warning of further action if their demands were not met.
6. October 4-5, 2024: Protest Amid SCO Meeting
PTI attempted to stage a demonstration at D-Chowk during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Clashes erupted between party workers and law enforcement, with both sides blaming each other. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, while PTI workers retaliated with slingshots and stones. The two-day protest caused significant disruption in Islamabad and Lahore, affecting daily life, halting metro bus services, and blocking key roads.
7. October 18, 2024: Protests Against 26th Constitutional Amendment
PTI staged demonstrations in major cities against the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment, which the party views as unconstitutional. The protests coincided with the imposition of Section 144, resulting in further tensions between law enforcement and party workers.
Impact and Current Protest
PTI’s protests have consistently led to clashes, arrests, and disruptions to public life. The party’s ongoing protest today continues this trend, as workers move towards Islamabad, defying restrictions. The government has taken extensive measures to maintain law and order, including deploying additional security forces and restricting communications.
Despite these efforts, PTI’s persistence in demanding Imran Khan’s release, early elections, and the restoration of the public mandate underscores the party’s determination to challenge the incumbent government. With tensions high and both sides unwilling to back down, the political climate in Pakistan remains fraught with uncertainty.
