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November 24 protest: High-level dialogue begins between PTI, govt

News Desk

Nov 19

Preparations are underway for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest on November 24 in Islamabad, but The News reports that the government has urged the party to “call off” the planned demonstration.

 

The incumbent government’s initial contact with PTI was reportedly positive, while the party would “call off” the protest in exchange for some assurances for considering their demands.

 

The News, however, did not disclose the names of contacts from both parties in the discussion, fearing that it could impact the ongoing negotiations.

 

The source claimed that Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur is expected to participate in the apex committee meeting on Tuesday (today).

 

In an apex committee chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, CM KP Gandapur is reportedly expected to raise the issue of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan and the ongoing tension between PTI and the military establishment.

 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, and all intelligence agency chiefs will also participate in the apex committee meeting.

 

Barrister Saif, KP’s Advisor for Information and Broadcasting, while appearing on Geo News, confirmed on Monday that Ali Amin Gandapur will present PTI's demands before the apex committee meeting before presenting in the upcoming protest at Islamabad.

 

If a consensus were built between PTI and the government to initiate dialogue, the military establishment would be exempted from participating in it, the source claimed.

 

Following the “final call” by the founder of PTI for the countrywide demonstrations to achieve their demands, the party leadership had vowed to stage a big sit-in show in the federal capital on November 24 until the release of Imran Khan.

 

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf demands the revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, including the restoration of democracy and the Constitution, the return of the public’s mandate, and the release of all political prisoners.

 

Previously, former PM Khan was arrested on August 5 last year from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has been in jail since then on multiple charges.

 

It should be mentioned here that incarcerated PM Imran Khan is facing several cases, including the £190 million reference (Al Qadir Trust case) and a new Toshakhana case.

 

Meanwhile, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf, the Islamabad administration on Monday imposed section 144 in the federal capital for two months ahead of the PTI protest.

 

According to the notification, there will be a ban on gatherings of five or more people, including the prohibition of any processions, rallies and demonstrations.

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