In a powerful show of unity, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organized a large-scale protest in Peshawar’s Hashtnagri area to denounce ongoing drone strikes in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts. The demonstration, attended by senior party leaders, provincial ministers, and local representatives, underscored PTI’s unwavering opposition to what they described as violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and human rights.
The protest was spearheaded by PTI’s provincial president, Junaid Akbar, alongside prominent figures such as former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Peshawar region president Atif Khan, and provincial ministers including Ihtesham Ali, Abdul Karim Tordher, Meena Khan Afridi, Arif Ahmedzai, and Pir Maswar. Other notable attendees included district president Irfan Saleem, Arbab Sher Ali, Kamran Bangash, Fazal Elahi, and Shandana Gulzar, among others.
Speakers at the rally condemned the drone strikes, arguing that they disproportionately harm innocent civilians and destabilize the region. They emphasized that such actions infringe upon Pakistan’s territorial integrity and called on the federal government to take immediate action to address the issue. The protesters highlighted the historical stance of PTI’s founding chairman, who has long opposed drone operations and advocated for Pakistan’s autonomy on international platforms.
The rally was held in response to a directive from PTI’s founding chairman, who urged party supporters to mobilize in the tribal areas to voice their dissent. PTI leaders reiterated that during their time in government, no drone strikes took place due to the party’s firm policies. They also recalled past efforts, including a sit-in to block NATO supply routes, as evidence of PTI’s commitment to resisting external interference.
The speakers issued a stern warning: if the drone strikes continue, PTI would take all necessary measures to bring them to a halt. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government echoed this sentiment, releasing a policy statement declaring drone operations within the province unacceptable.
The protest also touched on broader regional concerns, with leaders noting that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has suffered from decades of conflict, severely impacting its economy. They stressed the importance of fostering peaceful trade relations with Afghanistan, a key economic partner for the province.
In addition to their stance on drone strikes, PTI leaders vowed to continue their campaign against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and to demand the release of their founding chairman. They criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration, questioning its legitimacy and pointing out that some government lawmakers lack credibility even among their own constituents.
The demonstration concluded with a renewed pledge to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and uphold the rights of its people, with PTI leaders promising to escalate their efforts if their demands are not met.
