RAWALPINDI: In anticipation of the PTI’s planned protest on August 5, the civil administration in Rawalpindi has imposed Section 144 across the district, effective from August 4 to August 10. The measure bans public gatherings and political rallies in the city, which is home to Adiala Jail, where PTI founder Imran Khan has been imprisoned for nearly two years.
A notification issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema outlines several restrictions under Section 144. Pillion riding on motorcycles, the display of weapons, and the use of loudspeakers are prohibited during this period. To ensure public order around Adiala Jail, a red alert has been declared, and Adiala Road will be completely sealed with containers. The Punjab Rangers will be deployed near the jail and will conduct joint patrols with Rawalpindi Police. Anti-riot police, equipped with tear gas and batons, will be stationed at all barricades.
Traffic from Kacheri to Adiala Jail and from the Chakri Motorway Interchange will be rerouted. Anyone attempting to remove official blockades will face legal action.
Ahead of the protests, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser, former National Assembly speaker, shared a video message emphasizing that the protests are not just a demonstration but the beginning of a larger movement. He pointed out that two years ago, on the same day, Imran Khan was unjustly arrested by what he described as a fascist government. He added that Khan has been imprisoned without just cause ever since.
Qaiser called for justice and merit-based decisions from the judiciary, expressing concern that after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the judiciary has become subjugated to the government, leading to diminishing public trust in the courts.
The PTI leader also questioned the outcomes of military operations in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly part of Fata, stating that these operations have failed to bring peace or resolve unrest. He made it clear that the PTI will not allow any further military operations on Pakistani soil and that the demand is simple—justice for Imran Khan.
According to Qaiser, the country is slipping further into tyranny, with the current rulers clinging to power through force. He emphasized that people do not seek violence or instability but desire peace, jobs, and education for future generations. He stated that the movement beginning today is not just PTI’s struggle but a nationwide fight for the rule of law, justice, merit, and equal rights for all citizens.
