Police in Lahore arrested over 300 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers ahead of the party’s planned protest on August 5, while the party has finalised plans to stage a high-profile demonstration outside Adiala Jail in Islamabad.

According to sources, police raids have intensified across Lahore, targeting homes of key PTI leaders, ticket-holders, and organisers. Some detainees have been released on surety bonds, but “door-knocking” operations remain underway, according to police officials.

Tensions have escalated in Lahore, with PTI alleging that the Punjab government has crossed all limits of repression. Despite the arrests, PTI Lahore leadership vowed that peaceful protests would proceed across the city on Monday.

PTI finalises August 5 protest strategy

PTI’s top leadership has called all its Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators to Islamabad, where they are set to protest outside Adiala Jail. Provincial assembly members will hold protests in their respective constituencies.

The campaign will be organised under the platform of “Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan”, with PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja overseeing its coordination.

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Protest schedules from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been submitted to the central leadership, and ticket-holders across the country have been placed on alert.

Provincial presidents and coordinators have been instructed to remain in constant contact with senior leadership.

Section 144 enforced in Rawalpindi

In anticipation of the protest, the Rawalpindi district administration has imposed Section 144 for seven days, effectively banning all public gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, and processions.

Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, citing security concerns and the risk of public disorder issued the notification.

The order also prohibits the use of loudspeakers and hate speech. The restriction will remain in force until August 10.

PTI denied permission to hold rally in Islamabad

The Islamabad district administration has denied PTI permission to hold a political rally at F-9 Park.

The party had submitted a formal request on July 31 through its Islamabad regional president, Amir Masood Mughal, seeking approval for the gathering. However, officials said that in view of the prevailing situation, permission could not be granted.

The administration pointed out that PTI has already announced plans to stage a protest in Islamabad on August 5, raising concerns about law and order.

District administration warns of legal action under Section 144

In anticipation of potential unrest, the district administration has issued a stern warning.

In an official statement, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner stated that Section 144 has been enforced across the federal capital, which prohibits all kinds of gatherings and public assemblies.

“Anyone found participating in illegal activities or violating Section 144 will face immediate arrest and strict legal action,” the statement read.

Authorities have urged citizens to refrain from engaging in any unauthorized or unlawful activities.

Raja approaches Islamabad High Court

Amid fears of arrest, Salman Akram Raja has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, requesting details of any police or FIA cases registered against him.

The petition names the Interior Secretary, Islamabad Police, FIA, and others as respondents. Raja also completed biometric verification prior to filing the plea.

The August 5 protest marks a year since PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest, and the party sees the day as a symbolic flashpoint for what it calls a “constitutional struggle.”

KP to observe ‘Black Day’

PTI’s central protest in Islamabad has officially been cancelled, but the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter will observe “Youm-e-Siyah” (Black Day) on August 5, marking one year since Imran Khan’s arrest.

According to KP’s Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will lead a major rally in Peshawar, with smaller protests scheduled in all districts.

Caravans from Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera will converge at the Swabi Interchange.

Gandapur has claimed the event will be “the largest rally in Pakistan’s history,” culminating at Bala Hissar Fort after travelling along the Ring Road in Peshawar.

Movement may extend beyond August 5

Sources within PTI say that if the August 5 protest fails to create political momentum, the party is considering extending the movement until August 14.

The strategy now centres on holding rallies at the constituency level, both for National and Provincial Assembly seats.

Meanwhile, police are also reportedly seeking to detain several prominent opposition figures, including the Leader of the Opposition, Sunni Ittehad Council chairman, and various senior parliamentary party members.