The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has ramped up its preparations for the protest on November 24 amid law enforcement agencies’ crackdown on party leaders and workers.
Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s party has finalised its strategy for entering Islamabad, planning to launch simultaneous efforts from all directions on November 24, according to reports.
Khan has urged his followers to march towards Islamabad on November 24 for the “restoration” of democracy and the judiciary.
Ruling coalition leaders have slammed the PTI for causing unrest in the country with such protests.
In reaction, the PTI founder set four demands for ending the protest. They are related to the recent steps taken by the government like the 26th Constitutional Amendment. According to former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, Khan’s demands “are not wrong.”
The PTI leadership has committed to reaching the federal capital “at all costs” and has assigned “significant responsibilities” to the party leadership in the twin cities.
Moreover, the party has tasked convoy leaders from all provinces with adopting separate routes to enter Islamabad. The exact location for their stay in the federal capital would be determined later, although core committee members have suggested D-Chowk as a potential site. The party leadership has advised workers to prepare for an “indefinite protest” and added that it would continue for “as long as necessary.”
It has also instructed that the costs for bringing workers from their respective areas to Islamabad would be covered by members of the national and provincial assemblies. In the event of the party leadership’s arrest, reports said a “Plan B” would be activated, which includes compiling a list of alternative leaders to take over responsibilities.
The PTI Central Punjab has urged its supporters to engage the people in the protest and to launch a social media campaign to raise awareness.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Muhammad Ali Saif clarified that the protest on November 24 would proceed as planned. He rejected any speculation regarding agreements with the establishment.
Earlier this week, The Guardian claimed that Khan in response to its questions expressed his willingness to cut a deal with the establishment, however, the military has declined.
“This is a time for resistance,” he said in a statement and added that the PTI founder has given instructions for the demands to be met.
Saif clarified that former first lady Bushra Bibi was “not involved in active politics.”
He also denied allegations regarding the use of provincial machinery for the protest, explaining that the inclusion of Rescue 1122 vehicles in the previous rally was due to the CM’s attendance.
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Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies conducted multiple raids late Saturday night into Sunday across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore, resulting in the detention of several PTI members.
Reports indicate that CCTV footage has emerged showing police officers conducting raids at the residences of PTI leaders.
In NA-48 Rawalpindi, PTI Secretary General Raja Ghazanfar was arrested while a raid was also carried out at the home of central leader Shoaib Shaheen.
In Lahore, a heavy police presence targeted the home of Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed. According to his son, Dr Hassan, Mian Mahmood has been imprisoned for the past 18 months, yet the police continue to raid their home. He added that only his mother is at home while he is in KP.
In a post on X, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja expressed concerns that he might be “abducted tonight and may no longer be able to speak openly.”
He alleged that Pakistan “is going through a dark phase” and urged everyone to come together and take to the streets on November 24.
