A convoy led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan set off from Haripur on Sunday as part of a protest movement calling for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan. The protest has been dubbed a “final call” against what the opposition claims are the federal government’s oppressive measures.
Before the convoy’s departure, Ayub addressed supporters, accusing the government of fearing public dissent in response to the growing opposition movement. He pointed to the government’s actions, particularly the closure of major routes and highways, as an indication of their unease. Ayub claimed the Motorway had been shut down under the guise of repair work, which he argued was an attempt to obstruct the protesters’ journey to the capital.
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Despite the obstacles, Ayub reaffirmed that the protest would not stop until Imran Khan is released, calling the show of support from Haripur and the Hazara region a clear demonstration of opposition to the government’s actions. He commended the enthusiasm of the people, stressing that it was a direct reflection of their dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
Ayub also revealed that convoys from Abbottabad and Haripur would merge on the way to Islamabad, signaling a larger-scale mobilization. Former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who is also part of the movement, had already departed from Peshawar to join the protest.
Supporters cheered as Ayub vowed to keep up the momentum of the protest, framing it as a fight against the “atrocities of the federal government”. He highlighted the strong turnout in Haripur and Hazara as a sign of the growing public frustration with the government. The ongoing protest is a clear attempt by the opposition to build pressure on the government, especially in the lead-up to the political showdown in Islamabad.
