Islamabad, August 3: With former Prime Minister Imran Khan marking two years behind bars, his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has launched a new protest strategy after authorities denied them permission to hold a workers’ convention on August 5 in Islamabad. PTI leaders now say they will begin an unarmed, political “guerrilla struggle” starting Sunday to press for Khan’s release and amplify his message.
Aamir Mughal, head of PTI’s Islamabad chapter, said the campaign will start in the capital and eventually spread nationwide. The core tactic: block major roads, deliver their message quickly, and then disperse before police arrive. “Our aim is to record our protest and protect our workers from arrest and police brutality. We know that torture is the only weapon of the ruling elite,” Mughal told Dawn. Despite the confrontational strategy, the party maintains its campaign will be peaceful and politically driven.
Earlier this week, PTI formally requested permission to hold a workers’ gathering at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) in Islamabad on August 5, between 4 PM and 10 PM. The application was signed by PTI Islamabad Region President Aamir Masood Mughal and General Secretary Malik Amir Ali. It described the event as a peaceful convention to energize the party’s supporters and bring unity across Islamabad.
“We assure you that all arrangements will be made in a disciplined manner,” the letter stated. “Full cooperation will be extended to the district administration and law enforcement agencies. Kindly provide us the necessary permission to use the venue and deploy security personnel to ensure the safety of all participants.” PTI also promised to follow all relevant safety protocols, including public safety and park regulations.
However, the district administration did not grant the request, prompting PTI to shift tactics and declare the launch of their alternative movement. The party has increasingly relied on spontaneous mobilizations and social media campaigns to rally support since Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023, which it maintains is politically motivated.
As tensions continue between the ruling establishment and PTI, the party’s latest move marks a deliberate attempt to reshape its protest playbook — opting for smaller, fast-moving actions rather than large, static gatherings. Whether this new strategy escalates confrontations or builds broader momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: PTI intends to keep the pressure on.