CHITRAL: The recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MPA from Lower Chitral, Fatehul Mulk Ali Nasir, in Islamabad has triggered demonstrations ahead of the party’s planned Sept 27 long march on the federal capital.

Hundreds of PTI workers and residents took to the streets to protest the lawmaker’s detention on Monday.

The main rally led by Senator Falak Naz, PTI secretary Syed Farid Jan and other leaders, was held in Chitral city. Chanting slogans against the Islamabad administration, the demonstrators marched to the Chitral Press Club, where party leaders addressed a press conference.

They condemned the arrest of Mr Nasir, describing him not only as an elected representative of over 30,000 constituents but also as a respected scion of the royal family of Chitral.

Protesters demand immediate release of MPA Nasir

They termed the action as the “worst example of tyranny and fascism,” declaring that the people of Chitral would never accept such high-handed tactics.

The speakers expressed deep regret over the ‘systematic political targeting’ of the region’s leadership. They highlighted that MNA from Chitral, Abdul Latif, was already behind bars in fictitious cases related to the May 9 incidents. With their MPA now also incarcerated, leaders lamented that the people of Chitral had effectively been left with no representation in the assemblies.

The leadership underscored that the spirit of PTI workers could not be suppressed through arbitrary arrests and political victimisation.

They announced that workers were prepared to risk their lives to reach Islamabad on Sept 27 to demand the release of their incarcerated leader Imran Khan.

The speakers painted a grim picture of the country’s political landscape, claiming that lawlessness has reached unprecedented heights.

Issuing a stern warning to the authorities, the local leadership demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the Lower Chitral lawmaker.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Falak Naz emphasised that Imran Khan remained a beacon of hope for impoverished people of Pakistan and a celebrated leader within the Islamic world. She stated that the “dirty game” being orchestrated to sideline him politically was bound to fail.

“The era of governing through batons and bullets is drawing to a close,” Senator Naz remarked, adding that Imran Khan—whom she described as the heartbeat of 250 million Pakistanis—would soon be released, paving the way for the country to return to the path of democratic progress and economic stability.

The atmosphere in Chitral remains highly charged as local PTI chapters finalise logistics for the capital march, with Nasir’s arrest catalysing increased mobilisation across the district.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2026