Islamabad: Several key leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are not pleased with the announcement by party founder and chairman Imran Khan regarding a protest in Islamabad on November 24.
Following the announcement of the protest date after a meeting between Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and his lawyer at Adiala Jail, senior party leaders contacted each other. In their discussions, these leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with Imran Khan’s decision.
According to informed sources within the party, these leaders have deliberated on the matter and are considering approaching Imran Khan in the coming days to persuade him to withdraw the protest call.
One senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “We will make another attempt to convince Imran Khan to withdraw the call for the protest.”
The names of the PTI leaders who are unhappy with the decision have been provided to The News, but party sources warned that if these names were published, they would be subjected to criticism on PTI’s social media.
These leaders are not ordinary members but senior figures within the party. Some of them are known for their tough public stance, but behind the scenes, they are part of a group that includes PTI’s more sensible personalities, who are under pressure from the party’s social media.
One source said that Imran Khan needs better advice, as the choice of November 24 for the protest is hasty. In addition to security concerns, there are logistical issues to consider. Even if the number of protesters at the sit-in at D-Chowk is around 1,000, how will food be provided? What arrangements will be made for washrooms? These logistical problems will arise when security forces are stationed at D-Chowk to prevent the arrival of protesters.
Sources also mentioned that Imran Khan needs to realize that such protests could not only lead to the re-arrest of Bushra Bibi but could also prolong his own stay in jail. Imran Khan has already received relief from the courts in several cases, and as matters progress, even if he is sentenced in the £190 million case, he could get relief from the High Court in a few months.
These sources pointed out that this is the last case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, and despite complaints, the courts have been granting them relief.
One leader expressed regret in a conversation with The News, saying that if the establishment had contacted Imran Khan, such a protest would not have taken place.
On Wednesday, Imran Khan’s lawyer and sister revealed that Imran Khan had announced a protest march to Islamabad on November 24. Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry informed journalists in Rawalpindi that Imran Khan described this as the final call for an anti-government protest. He emphasized that the entire leadership of PTI would participate in the march.
Chaudhry mentioned that the protest would not only take place in Islamabad but also across the country and worldwide wherever Imran Khan’s supporters are located.
He added that Imran Khan had formed a committee for the march and requested that the names of the committee members not be disclosed, as Imran Khan feared he might be arrested.
The News had previously reported on Wednesday that Imran Khan wanted a firm date for the “Do or Die” protest and a possible sit-in in Islamabad, but he was being persuaded by his senior party leaders to carefully consider the planning and weigh the potential risks and benefits before announcing such a protest.
