Islamabad: Several key leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are unhappy with the announcement made by the party’s founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, regarding a protest scheduled for November 24 in Islamabad.
After Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and his lawyer met with him in Adiala Jail, following which the protest date was announced, senior party leaders began reaching out to each other. These leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the announcement during their internal discussions.
According to well-placed sources within the party, discussions have taken place regarding this matter, and in the coming days, efforts will be made to convince Imran Khan to withdraw the call for the protest.
A senior leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “We will try again and advise Imran Khan to withdraw the protest call.”
The News has the names of the senior leaders within PTI who are not happy with the “Do or Die” protest decision for November 24. However, party sources told this reporter that if these leaders’ names are published, PTI’s social media supporters may react negatively toward them.
These leaders are not ordinary members, but rather prominent figures within the party. Some of them are known for their tough public statements, but behind the scenes, they are among the more pragmatic members of PTI, who are under pressure from party social media.
One source said that Imran Khan needs better advice, as the decision to hold a protest and sit-in on November 24 was made in haste. Apart from security concerns, there are logistical issues to address. For example, even if only a thousand people participate in the sit-in at D-Chowk, how will they be provided with food? What provisions will be made for restrooms? Logistics become a major issue when security forces are stationed to block access to D-Chowk.
The sources also mentioned that Imran Khan must understand that such a protest could not only result in the re-arrest of Bushra Bibi but may also prolong his stay in jail. Imran Khan has already received some relief from the courts in various cases, and if he is convicted in the 190 million-pound case, he could receive relief from the High Court within a few months.
Sources said that this is the last case involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, and despite some complaints, the courts have continued to provide relief.
One leader, speaking to The News, expressed regret that if the establishment had contacted Imran Khan, such a protest could have been avoided.
Imran Khan’s lawyer and sister informed the press on Wednesday that the PTI founder had announced the protest for November 24 in Islamabad. Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry told reporters in Rawalpindi that Imran Khan described this as the “final call” for a government-opposing protest, and emphasized that the entire PTI leadership would be part of the march.
Chaudhry added that the protest would not be limited to Islamabad but would take place across the country and globally wherever Imran Khan’s supporters are present.
The lawyer also mentioned that Imran Khan had formed a committee for the march, with a request not to reveal the names of the committee members due to concerns that they may be arrested.
The News had already reported earlier on Wednesday that Imran Khan was seeking a date for the “Do or Die” protest and potential sit-in in Islamabad, but his senior party leaders were attempting to persuade him that such a protest, if announced without proper planning and a risk-benefit analysis, could backfire.
