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Saturday, February 22, 2025  
23 Shaban 1446  

PTI to further postpone civil disobedience movement

Breakthrough expected in negotiations between government, PTI
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan addresses party leaders in Islamabad on December 19, 2024. Photo via Facebook/PTI
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan addresses party leaders in Islamabad on December 19, 2024. Photo via Facebook/PTI

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to further postpone the announcement of its civil disobedience movement for a week, raising the prospects for negotiations with the government.

There is a likelihood of a breakthrough in talks between PTI and the government this week, sources said on Thursday. It would be the second time jailed former prime minister Imran Khan would announce it following party leaders’ request.

On December 5, Khan revealed his “trump card” by announcing a civil disobedience movement if the government failed to act on the party’s demand. He also formed a negotiating committee to fulfil those demands, including the release of political prisoners and a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26.

His orders came after several PTI supporters had lost their lives due to “state terrorism” during his “final call” for nationwide protests on November 24. Such protests aimed to demand the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

After violent clashes between security forces and PTI protesters in Islamabad, the party leadership quickly retreated from the Red Zone on November 27. The three days of protests resulted in six fatalities, including a police officer and three Rangers struck by a speeding vehicle, according to officials.

In the recent past, both sides have budged from their positions and opened way for dialogue. On Wednesday, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that he was “ready to play his role” in facilitating talks between the government and the opposition with his “office and residence open 24 hours”.

Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said in the lower house of Parliament that the NA speaker’s office was a “neutral venue” in response to PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat’s comments that there was a need for a political dialogue.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been assured that a government committee would be formed for negotiations, they said and added that an official announcement regarding the committee is expected to be made this week.

Gandapur met with the PTI founder in Adiala Jail where he updated him on the progress regarding negotiations. The civil disobedience movement would be “postponed” further until formal talks commence.

Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also advised Khan to temporarily delay the movement.

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