Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has formally requested permission from Lahore’s district administration to hold a political rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 5. The application was submitted by PTI Lahore President Imtiaz Sheikh, seeking approval for the event to take place from 4 PM to 10 PM.
The date marks two years since the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, and party leaders have hinted at large-scale public mobilization. The rally is expected to be a major show of strength by the party amid mounting internal and external pressures.
Speaking to media at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar declared that the time for negotiations is over, and that Imran Khan will now lead the movement from jail. He reiterated that all Senate candidates were chosen with Khan’s input, dismissing reports of internal dissent over ticket allocations.
Barrister Gohar also criticized ongoing restrictions, saying it has been two years of unjust crackdowns and denial of access to the PTI founder. “The court’s rulings regarding meeting Imran Khan are being ignored,” he added.
However, tensions within the party persist. While national leadership, including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, insists on a broader protest within 90 days, Punjab’s Chief Organizer Aaliya Hamza has stood firm on holding the August 5 rally. She even threatened to resign if the protest is delayed again.
PTI is expected to finalize its plans in the coming days. If approved, the rally could mark the start of a renewed phase of street agitation, aiming to push for the release of Imran Khan and challenge the current political setup.