LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders, workers and supporters on Saturday continued protesting in all cities of the province including various locations in Lahore to protest against attempt on the life of party chairman Imran Khan.

The party has announced that the protests will continue until the three `suspects’ will resign. The party says the ‘suspects’ named by Imran Khan are taking the country towards bloodshed and demands that the Chief Justice of Pakistan should bring them in the dock.

With a major demonstration at Liberty Roundabout, the PTI workers staged protests at Thokkar Niaz Beg, Babu Sabu interchange, Shahdra Chowk, Harbanspura Ring Road, Governor House, Bhatta Chowk, Ring Road and Shanghai Chowk on Ferozepur Road.

The main rally of hundreds of party workers had come out of the PTI office on Jail Road led by central Punjab president Dr Yasmin Rashid.

Speaking to the protesters at the Liberty Roundabout, Dr Rashid said the PTI would never accept the “imported government” as it was ruining the economic and social fabric of the country. Stating that Imran Khan was standing tall against the ‘evil’ forces, she said the anti-state elements sprayed Khan with bullets.

PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood said the attack on Imran Khan was a planned conspiracy and there were more than one shooters.

Earlier, speaking to media persons outside the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, PTI vice-chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said it was a matter of grave concern that even after 48 hours no FIR had been registered. He said former federal minister Hammad Azhar had gone to Wazirabad for the registration of case but the SHO made excuses and did not file FIR immediately.President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and the First Lady Begum Samina Alvi visited Shaukat Khanum Hospital and inquired after Imran Khan. They stayed with Imran Khan for almost three hours.

Sources say the president reiterated that all stakeholders should pursue their political objectives and find solutions to issues within the confines of democratic means of discussion, negotiation, consultation and deliberation.

The president also offered his services in his personal capacity to mediate amongst stakeholders for developing consensus on major issues.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2022