Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its planned nationwide protest on August 14, arguing that Independence Day should be a unifying occasion rather than a platform for political confrontation. Speaking on Geo News’ Naya Pakistan, Sanaullah emphasized that while protests are a democratic right, the chosen date clashes with national traditions of unity and celebration.
The PTI’s protest call came after a social media post from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s X account, urging supporters to rally against what the party terms as ongoing oppression. This followed an earlier unsuccessful protest on August 5, which PTI had framed as a demonstration against injustices faced by their leadership. Sanaullah criticized the timing, suggesting alternative dates like August 13, 15, or 16 to avoid overshadowing Independence Day festivities.
The adviser also questioned the PTI’s recent protest strategy, citing their August 5 demonstration—coinciding with Kashmir’s “Day of Exploitation”—as ineffective. He noted that while the nation stood in solidarity with Kashmiris, PTI’s political mobilization failed to gain significant traction. Meanwhile, PTI leaders reported mass arrests of their workers in Lahore, though police later released several detained lawmakers, including Punjab Assembly members.
Despite the crackdown, PTI remains defiant, with Imran Khan reiterating calls for peaceful protests until “true democracy” is restored. The former PM, ousted in a 2022 no-confidence vote, continues to challenge the current government’s legitimacy. As political tensions escalate, the debate over balancing dissent with national unity remains unresolved.
