Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its intent to persist with protests until the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the restoration of what it terms as its "stolen mandate."

The announcement came as the party organized rallies, silent protests, and demonstrations nationwide, with some facing resistance and police crackdowns.

The protests, spearheaded by PTI, were in response to an appeal by Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after being convicted in multiple cases. Despite Khan's disqualification from contesting the February 8 elections and the confiscation of his party symbol, independent candidates backed by PTI secured over 90 seats, making them the largest group.

However, PTI alleges electoral malpractice and claims that a post-election alliance between rival parties, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), aimed to keep Khan out of power. Khan has denounced the 2024 elections as massively rigged.

In a social media post, Khan's official account urged supporters to take to the streets in protest. The PTI's official handle continued to document the protests across the country, accusing the government of electoral fraud and calling for peaceful demonstrations.

Speaking at a rally, PTI's Sher Afzal Marwat called upon the Supreme Court to intervene and address the violation of Pakistani citizens' rights. He criticized the coalition government, referring to it as "stealing prisoner no: 804’s mandate," and demanded Khan's release along with other unjustly jailed PTI leaders.

In Lahore, police reportedly used force to disperse PTI protesters, leading to several arrests. Meanwhile, as part of the alliance agreement between PML-N and PPP, Shehbaz Sharif is poised to become the next prime minister with outside support from PPP, while Asif Ali Zardari is set to assume the presidency with backing from PML-N.

The election for the prime minister's post is scheduled for Sunday, with the presidential election to follow on March 9. The situation remains tense as PTI vows to continue its protests until its demands are met. (ILKHA)