Rana Sanaullah Urges PTI to Reschedule Independence Day Protest

Rana Sanaullah asks PTI to move its planned Independence Day protest to another date, saying August 14 should unite the nation in celebration.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its upcoming nationwide protest on a date other than August 14, arguing that Independence Day should be marked with unity and national pride. His statement came after PTI founder Imran Khan’s X account urged supporters to “take to the streets in full force” on August 14 to oppose the government.

PTI’s Protest Plans and Government Concerns

Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal’, Sanaullah said that while protesting is the opposition’s right, doing so on Independence Day would be “upsetting and against our traditions.” He suggested August 13, 15, or 16 as alternative dates, stressing that August 14 should be a day of celebration, not confrontation.

The adviser also criticised PTI’s choice of significant national dates for political movements, noting that the party’s August 5 protests coincided with Pakistan’s observance of the Day of Exploitation, marking India’s 2019 move to revoke occupied Kashmir’s autonomy. He said the day should have been dedicated to showing solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Arrests and Security Measures During August 5 Protests

On August 5, police detained PTI activists nationwide as they launched their campaign for Imran Khan’s release, who has been imprisoned for two years. In Lahore, police reported arresting more than 30 activists trying to block roads, while rejecting claims of hundreds being detained. In Balochistan’s Kohlu district, PTI provincial president Dawood Shah Kakar claimed several workers, including five leaders, were taken into custody.
Rawalpindi authorities imposed Section 144 until August 10, banning all assemblies due to what they described as an “imminent threat.” PTI leaders, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, TTAP chief Mahmood Achakzai, and MNA Shandana Gulzar, attempted to reach Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan but were stopped by police.

PTI Vows to Continue Movement

Despite the government’s concerns, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser announced that the second phase of the protest campaign would begin on August 14, followed by demonstrations in Sindh. “We will unite the entire country to rid ourselves of this oppressive government,” he said.