Pakistan Minister Urges PTI to Postpone Independence Day Protests

Rana Sanaullah cites national unity as reason to reschedule rallies

A senior Pakistani minister has called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to reschedule its planned nationwide demonstrations, emphasizing that national holidays should foster unity, not political discord.

Call for National Harmony

Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, stated that Pakistan’s Independence Day, August 14, is a time for collective national celebration. Speaking on a television program, he urged the PTI leadership to select an alternative date for their protests, suggesting August 13, 15, or 16.

This appeal follows a recent call from PTI founder Imran Khan’s official X account, encouraging supporters to protest perceived oppression. The party had attempted a demonstration on August 5, which they termed the “Day of Exploitation” to protest India’s actions in occupied Kashmir.

Nation, stand united against this ongoing oppression! Let’s take to the streets in full force on August 14th to demand our rights and true democracy. #ReleaseImranKhan #AzadiMarch

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI)
August 6, 2025

PTI Protests and Arrests

Sanaullah acknowledged the PTI’s right to protest but reiterated his concern about the timing. He described the August 5 protest attempt as largely ineffective, stating, “They announced a big movement, and in the end, nothing happened.”

The PTI organized protests on August 5, marking two years since the arrest of their party founder. Imran Khan was initially sentenced to three years for alleged misuse of his office concerning state gifts. PTI sources claimed hundreds of activists and several Punjab Assembly members were detained in Lahore ahead of the planned protests, though the lawmakers were reportedly released later that evening.

According to a 2023 Human Rights Watch report, Pakistan has seen an increase in politically motivated arrests and detentions, highlighting concerns about freedom of assembly. The report documented numerous instances of government crackdowns on opposition gatherings and activists. (Human Rights Watch, 2023)

Past Political Ouster

The former prime minister, Imran Khan, who led the country from 2018, was removed from office in 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote.