PTI Leadership Reaches Lahore in Symbolic Convoy to Support Expelled Punjab Assembly Members

Lahore — Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, arrived in Lahore on Saturday as part of a symbolic convoy to express solidarity with 26 Punjab Assembly members recently expelled by the speaker.

The convoy, which departed from Islamabad and made stops in key cities including Jhelum, Wazirabad, Sarai Alamgir, and Ferozwala, comprised dozens of vehicles carrying PTI supporters and parliamentarians. Upon reaching Lahore, the group gathered at the farmhouse of former Senate deputy chairman Mirza Muhammad Khan Afridi near Jati Umrah for a high-level party dinner and strategy session.

“Not a Protest, Just a Meeting”

Speaking to reporters before the convoy’s departure, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar clarified that the gathering was not the beginning of a protest movement.
“No movement is being started today. This is not a rally. We are here for an important leadership meeting. There’s no fear of arrest,” Gohar said, dismissing claims that the PTI leadership had distanced itself from the suspended MPAs.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur echoed the message, stating, “We are not here to create unrest. This convoy is a peaceful message of democratic support and solidarity with our colleagues in Punjab.” He further emphasized that the convoy was not aimed at confrontation, but to uphold constitutional principles.

Tensions in Shahdara, Lahore

In Shahdara, Lahore, police briefly detained four PTI workers, including senior leader Yasir Gilani, before releasing them without charges. PTI supporters claimed the arrests were unprovoked, while police described the detentions as part of standard security measures.

Leadership Meeting and Political Strategy

After reaching Lahore, the PTI leadership assembled at Mirza Afridi’s farmhouse for a dinner meeting. Senior leaders including Ali Muhammad Khan, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza were present. Sources reported that Gandapur also held a separate meeting with Afridi to discuss political developments in KP and evolving strategies for Punjab.

Ali Muhammad Khan, speaking to Samaa TV, remarked, “Historic movements have always started from Lahore. This is not a rally — it’s a leadership consultation for political direction.” He added that the party must now focus on addressing the issues facing the common man.

Minor Confrontation at Toll Plaza

A minor confrontation was reported at the Kala Shah Kaku Interchange when members of the CM’s security detail allegedly pushed aside toll booth staff after refusing to pay toll fees. The convoy continued its journey without further incident.

“We Stand With Democracy”: Salman Akram Raja

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stressed the party’s commitment to constitutional rights.
“We have the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19. This is not rebellion — this is democracy in action,” he told reporters, adding that PTI would continue to engage with the public directly.

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Raja also hinted at the return of PTI’s founding leader’s sons to Pakistan, further suggesting intensified political activity in the coming weeks.

Political Mobilization Building Toward August 5

PTI leader Junaid Akbar said the convoy and meeting were part of a broader political message: “We are united behind our founder. This is the beginning of our political reawakening, and our protest will reach its peak by August 5.”

The PTI leadership’s symbolic show of strength signals growing political mobilization, even as they stress the peaceful and democratic nature of their actions.