Islamabad, July 29 — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans for nationwide protests on August 5 to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. PTI leader Asad Qaiser made the call for protests during a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, alongside party secretary general Omar Ayub Khan and other supporters.

Referring to the arrest of Khan in the Toshakhana case, Qaiser stated, "August 5 has been marked as the day of PTI founder's arrest. We will protest that day." PTI has been advocating for Khan's release since his imprisonment over a year ago. The former prime minister was arrested on August 5, 2023, from Lahore following a court's three-year prison sentence for the illegal sale of state gifts.

Preparations for the protests are underway, despite PTI activists facing arrests in various cases. Geo News reported that PTI leaders and activists are organizing for the demonstration, with increased arrests of PTI members in recent times.

The announcement comes after a significant Supreme Court ruling on July 12, which directed PTI to submit a list of eligible candidates for seats reserved for women and minorities. Following the ruling, PTI MPs and workers faced a wave of arrests. The former speaker of the National Assembly has since called on the Supreme Court to address the arbitrary arrests of PTI leaders and activists.

As the protest date approaches, tensions remain high, with PTI pushing for the release of their leader and addressing the broader issues of political detentions in Pakistan.