Mass Protest
Negotiations between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government over the planned protest in Islamabad on November 24 have reached a standstill, sources revealed on Friday.
Despite the deadlock, PTI, led by incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, has finalized its plans and is prepared to move forward with the protest.
Imran Khan has called on his supporters to march towards Islamabad on November 24, framing the protest as a fight for democracy and judiciary. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the move, labeling it as an act of “insurrection,” accusing PTI of attempting to seize control of the federal capital.
Khan’s party has presented four key demands to end the protests, while his wife has declared that the date would only change if Khan is released from prison.
PTI’s plans faced a setback on Thursday when the Islamabad High Court ruled against protests or rallies that would violate a recent law on public gatherings, citing the visit of the Belarusian president as a reason to restrict activities over the weekend.
Nonetheless, the party is proceeding with its strategy. According to sources, convoys will depart for Islamabad on November 24, with an anticipated arrival in two to three days. PTI has instructed its workers to gather in the capital by November 26, where sit-ins are planned.
Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, has announced her intention to join the convoy, stressing that while protests are ongoing, the door for negotiations remains open.
PTI leader Raoof Hasan reiterated that dialogue has not completely stalled, stating that discussions are being held with authorities “above Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.”
Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry confirmed the decision to proceed with the November 24 protest. The deadlock between PTI and the government continues, fueled by escalating tensions and unmet demands. Despite efforts to break the impasse, failure could lead to severe consequences for the party.
PTI has also released the final list of leaders heading the protest convoys. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Shahid Khatak will lead from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Zartaj Gul will spearhead the rally from southern Punjab.
Other leaders, including Sher Afzal Marwat, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, and Hamad Azhar, will lead from Punjab, while Haleem Adil Sheikh and Alamgir Khan will head the Sindh convoy. Leaders such as Azam Swati, Barrister Gohar, Shandana Gulzar, and others will manage convoys from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.
In anticipation of the protest, police have implemented roadblocks in Muridke, positioning trucks and containers along key routes, including GT Road and the M2.
These measures have led to significant disruptions, with traffic at a standstill and travelers struggling to find alternate routes. Public transport is scarce, and the disruptions have forced the cancellation of hundreds of weddings.
Additionally, transporters have been required to sign affidavits committing not to provide vehicles for PTI supporters.
The government’s actions to prevent the protest from occurring have intensified public hardships, creating widespread frustration. Despite these obstacles, PTI appears determined to proceed with its plans.
