PTI’s Movement Reignited: Humayun Mohmand Says Punjab’s Fear Barrier Broken

ISLAMABAD: (ABN News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Senator Humayun Mohmand, speaking on ABN News’ program Tajziya, said the hesitation to come out in Punjab has now ended. He pointed out that PTI has already held massive rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Sindh, significant numbers of people came out in cities like Karachi and Hyderabad, despite a fearful and repressive environment.

He alleged that the government in certain areas is undemocratic and driven by fear, suppressing political activity. “Even in such areas, people gathered in large numbers, but the authorities responded by registering FIRs against them,” he said. He further claimed that around 400–500 people were arrested just for releasing red balloons, and even parliamentarians were barred from stepping out.

Mohmand remarked that these government actions reflect how nervous and threatened they are. “They blocked our MNAs and senators from reaching Adiala Jail. In fact, even we were unsure whether the destination was Adiala or not. The key point is, people came out. Whether they reached Adiala Jail or not is a separate matter.”

He added that many protests took place across Islamabad and Punjab, although not everyone marched toward Adiala. “Those MNAs who can operate easily within their constituencies should protest from there, while others can proceed toward Adiala Jail. Our members planned to move from Parliament to Adiala together.”

He criticized the government for turning the Parliament into a “prison,” restricting PTI lawmakers inside. Responding to a question, he admitted that risks exist for everyone involved, but emphasized that each group — whether local teams, workers, or parliamentarians — has its own responsibilities.

Mohmand also alleged that there is a deliberate attempt to create distance between the middle leadership and the public, a tactic that he said the opponents have had some success with. “This is a thought-out strategy to disconnect the middle class leadership from the masses, but we’re working to bridge that gap.”

He concluded by stating that the movement is already underway and does not hinge solely on August 14. “Small-scale activities are ongoing, and we will come out united again on Independence Day. It’s too early to reveal full plans, but we’re focused on learning from past mistakes and correcting our course.”