PTI leadership ‘discusses option’ to call off much-hyped Nov 24 protest

In view of former first lady Bushra Bibi's controversial statement regarding Saudi Arabia and the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision against the party’s countrywide protest, the political committee of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering the option to call off its November 24 protest In Islamabad.

The IHC, in a petition filed against PTI’s protest, has directed the federal capital’s administration to hold peaceful negotiations with the party, noting that if talks fail, the Interior Ministry should ensure order in accordance with the law.

The verdict was followed by a video message by incarcerated former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, wherein she called on workers to not shy away from taking to streets, and hinted at alleged Saudi involvement PTI government’s ouster. The claims did not sit well with party leaders and supporters alike.

In light of said developments, it was reported Saturday that a majority of PTI’s political committee members were in favour of calling off the much-hyped protest in case negotiations were initiated with the government.

After the decision, a delegation of the PTI paid a visit to Adiala Jail for the party founder’s consent; however, a meeting with Khan could not take place.

  
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur hosted a meeting of party leaders in Peshawar to discuss strategy surrounding the Nov 24 call. The meeting came as the CM’s aide, Barrister Saif, stated that the party was considering to challenge the IHC decision and go forth with the protest call.

Situation in Islamabad

In view of the PTI’s reported decision, strict security measures are being taken by the federal government to tackle the former ruling party's protest.

While Section 144 has been imposed in the federal capital for two months, the administration has also sought an additional 8,000 police personnel along with the deployment of Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC).

The government is also likely to suspend mobile services across the country.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued stern directions to authorities to prevent the protesters from entering the federal capital, reports quoted sources as saying. Police vans have been delivered to Islamabad and necessary preparations have been finalised regarding the demonstrators' arrest and where arrested party workers will be kept afterwards, they added.

It merits a mention that Khan’s party, in recent months, has marched on the federal capital multiple times since after his arrest last year, with most protests ending in violent clashes with law enforcement.

PTI’s Nov 24 protest comes in the backdrop of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko upcoming visit to the capital from Nov 25 to 27.