ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) will press ahead with its planned protests in Islamabad and Rawalpindi today (Tuesday), despite a ban on public gatherings in both cities, as the party escalates its campaign over restrictions on meetings with its incarcerated founding chairman, Imran Khan.
PTI leaders and opposition lawmakers from both houses of parliament are expected to assemble outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) before moving towards Adiala jail, where Mr Khan is detained. The demonstrations come even as the Islamabad Capital Territory administration has enforced a two-month ban on rallies since Nov 18, and Rawalpindi authorities imposed a three-day ban on Monday. Under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, district magistrates are empowered to regulate public gatherings.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser said the protest was being held because court orders allowing visitation rights were not being implemented. “IHC has failed to ensure enforcement of its directives, and the Adiala jail administration is unwilling to comply,” he said.
Last week, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister staged a sit-in outside the jail after being barred from meeting Mr Khan for the eighth time. Family members have also been denied access for several weeks, sparking speculation over the PTI founder’s health — though both the government and PTI leaders maintain he is in stable condition.
Mr Qaiser, who will attend a public meeting in Quetta as part of the PTI-led opposition alliance, said other senior party leaders — including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan — would lead the protest in the twin cities. He added that the parliamentary committee had demanded Mr Khan’s release, terming the restrictions on visitation “a violation of human rights.”
PTI warns against governor’s rule in KP
Separately, the PTI parliamentary committee on Monday warned the federal government against any attempt to impose governor’s rule in KP, amid circulating rumours. The committee said such a move would heighten political instability, aggravate tensions, and further deteriorate the law-and-order situation.
Mr Qaiser said KP’s elected government reflected the people’s mandate and any attempt to undermine it would be “an insult to the public.” He blamed federal policies for KP’s worsening political and economic challenges, saying the Centre had failed to honour commitments made at the time of the tribal districts’ merger, including NFC-related assurances.
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He added that a recent “peace jirga” in KP brought together parties that agreed to collectively address the province’s challenges, but the Centre had not responded positively. “Pakistan, especially KP, cannot afford another conflict,” he said, urging dialogue with Afghanistan to reduce cross-border tensions.
Parallel rally planned in KP
The PTI’s KP chapter has separately announced a rally at the Peshawar–Islamabad Motorway Interchange, marching towards the Swabi Interchange. Peshawar PTI President Irfan Saleem said protesters from Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan and Swabi would join the procession.
Opposition lawmakers to protest outside IHC, Adiala jail today.https://t.co/okEMQC4qZa
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 2, 2025
A senior PTI leader suggested the party may temporarily block motorway traffic between Islamabad and Peshawar during the demonstration. Lawmakers will attend the protests in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while regional office-bearers will lead the KP rally.
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