Mainstream leadership remained absent from PTI protest on Friday, media reports say.
The PTI had issued the call for countrywide agitation for the release of founder chairman of the party Imran Khan.
However, the central leadership failed to show up in the protests marred by widespread police crackdown. It raised the question why the top tear leaders of the opposition party do not attend the protests?
The PTI supporters and voters participated in the protest demonstrations mainly held in Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore and other cities. Police and law enforcement agencies conducted raids and crackdown against the participants, arresting many.
PTI Karachi chapter held protest in front of Karachi Press Club. The police baton charged and arrests many as there are reports of clashes between the two sides.
“Leaders disappear whenever the PTI supporters try to take to street for the release of Khan,” said Nasir Gujjar, a fan of Imran Khan.
Many with the PTI ranks believe the central leadership are doing nothing for the release of Khan. They believe many among leaders are work for establishment instead of party.
Simply, they assert, they do not want Imran Khan out of Adiala Jail. If Khan comes out of jail, who would listen to them (the current leadership) and provide coverage, they further said.
It is not the case for all leaders, said another supporter of Khan. For example, PTI leader Tahir Iqbal Chaudhry (former MNA from Vehari) yesterday led the protest and got arrested. Similarly, Mehar Abdul Sattar led protest in Okara. Police arrested Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Hammad Awn, Tanzeela Imran, Ghazala Rafique from Lahore.
This is important to note here that a large number of PTI supporters had taken to the street and also staged motorcycle rallies in different cities on Friday. Punjab government had already imposed article 144 across the province, banning gathering.
