Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, reached Lahore on Saturday as part of a symbolic convoy aimed at expressing solidarity with 26 expelled Punjab Assembly members.
The convoy, which began its journey from Islamabad and included dozens of vehicles of supporters and parliamentarians, stopped in several cities along the GT Road before arriving at a farmhouse near Jati Umrah for a high-level party meeting.
Speaking to the media outside KP House in Islamabad before the departure, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar clarified that the convoy should not be viewed as the beginning of any movement or protest.
“No movement is being started today. There is no rally, only an important meeting. There’s no fear of arrest,” he said. He rejected the impression that the party leadership had ignored the suspended MPAs in Punjab, claiming they were in touch.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reiterated that the purpose of the convoy was not to create unrest but to defend democratic principles and show solidarity with elected representatives from Punjab who, according to PTI, were unconstitutionally removed.
“We are not here to protest or create chaos. This convoy is a peaceful message of love, peace, and democratic values,” he told reporters.
Arrests in Shahdara
Tensions briefly escalated in Shahdara, Lahore, where police detained four PTI workers, including senior leader Yasir Gilani, and dispersed others. However, all four were later released without incident.
PTI supporters claimed that the detentions were unprovoked, but police maintained they were part of routine security procedures.
Dinner at Afridi farmhouse
After reaching Lahore, the convoy moved to the farmhouse of former Senate deputy chairman Mirza Muhammad Khan Afridi, located near Jati Umrah. A dinner meeting was held with several senior party leaders, including Ali Muhammad Khan, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, in attendance.
Sources said that an important political meeting between Gandapur and Afridi also took place at Afridi House in Raiwind, reportedly to discuss the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upcoming strategies in Punjab.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan, speaking to Samaa TV, said: “Historic movements have always emerged from Lahore. We have come here with hope for positive change.” He clarified the nature of the gathering, adding: “This was not a public rally, but simply a leadership meeting.”
Reflecting on the broader impact of the political situation, he remarked: “The life of the common man has drastically changed, and we must address their concerns.”
Convoy route: From Jhelum to Lahore
The PTI convoy’s route included stops in Jhelum, Wazirabad, Sarai Alamgir, and Ferozwala. During the journey, tight security arrangements were observed, with both police and intelligence personnel deployed at key points.
The convoy, led by Ali Amin Gandapur, briefly halted at a private hotel in Sarai Alamgir for prayers and meals. A heavy contingent of police and intelligence personnel was deployed at key points throughout the route to ensure security.
In Ferozwala, a minor confrontation was reported when the chief minister’s security team allegedly pushed aside toll staff at the Kala Shah Kaku Interchange after refusing to pay toll taxes. The convoy continued its journey without further disruption.
'We stand with democracy'
Addressing party workers and media, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stressed the party’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and engagement with the public.
“We have the right to take to the streets. This is not rebellion — this is democracy,” he said. "Article 19 is our fundamental right, which cannot be taken away from us. We want to sit with the people and listen to their problems."
He also hinted that the sons of PTI’s founder would soon return to Pakistan.
PTI leader Junaid Akbar, meanwhile, indicated that the convoy was part of a broader political signal to the nation, saying, “This gathering shows we are united behind our founder. Our protest will reach its peak by August 5.”
