PTI workers stage protests in various cities, defy Section 144 in Islamabad
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
ISLAMABAD: PTI’s Islamabad wing held a protest in the federal capital on Friday despite Section 144 being in place, which restricts public gatherings. It is worth mentioning that Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and PTI had given a call to hold countrywide protests against former prime minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment, rising inflation and other issues on Friday. The protest, held on Lehtrar Road near Taramri Chowk, was organised under the direction of PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal and led by General Secretary Malik Aamir Ali. PTI Islamabad Senior Vice President Raja Sajjad Dhanyal, Women’s Wing President Maimoona Kamal, Youth Wing President Murad Bukhari, Insaf Students Federation representatives and other leaders and activists participated in the protest. The protesters also demanded the release and proper medical treatment of the PTI founder and highlighted concerns over soaring inflation, deteriorating law and order, and the recent increase in petroleum product prices. Mughal, speaking to Dawn, said they were aware that the federal police and other law enforcement agencies had made strict arrangements to prevent any kind of protest in the federal capital. “Section 144 was already imposed in the federal capital, but we knew that we had to hold the protest as it was for founding chairman Imran Khan and against inflation, which has been badly affecting the masses,” he said. “During the protest, we demanded that Imran Khan be released, inflation be controlled, petroleum product prices be reduced and the rule of law be ensured in Pakistan,” he said. Mughal said that if the government did not address these issues, PTI would be left with no option but to launch a massive campaign and agitation after Eid. PTI workers stage a protest at the Peshawar press club. — Shahbaz Butt PTI supporters also held a protest at the Peshawar Press Club. Speaking at a press conference, PTI’s Shandana Gulzar said the movement’s primary agenda was to secure the release of