Islamabad, November 19, 2024- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called on party leaders to ensure their participation in the November 24 protest in Islamabad, warning that those unable to join should “disassociate themselves from the party.” The statement was shared through Khan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Everyone must join the protest on November 24. Any PTI leader or ticket holder failing to ensure their participation should disassociate themselves from the party. This is a decisive moment when the nation must come out for freedom,” the post read.
Khan, currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, described the protest as a “golden opportunity to secure genuine freedom for Pakistan.” He urged supporters to mobilize with the same enthusiasm displayed during the February 8 protests, which he said showcased the “power of the vote.”
Khan condemned the recurring internet disruptions in Pakistan, labeling them an attempt to silence dissent. He claimed these actions have cost the nation Rs550 billion this year and reduced internet performance to only 27%. “These heinous steps are aimed solely at crushing PTI and suppressing our voice,” the post stated.
The PTI founder reiterated his willingness to engage in negotiations for the country’s sake but accused the caretaker government of responding with “fascism” by imprisoning party workers. He also criticized delays in elections, alleging they were postponed to facilitate the return of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
“In what democracy are elections delayed until hand-picked individuals are put in place? The responsibility for the lack of negotiations lies with them, not us,” Khan asserted.
Khan also urged overseas Pakistanis to record protests in their respective countries and contribute to PTI’s fundraising efforts. “Overseas Pakistanis understand the value of genuine freedom and democracy. They should demand the same freedoms for Pakistanis that they enjoy in their countries,” he said.
Government’s response: stern measures announced
In response to PTI’s protest call, the government has vowed strict action against any lawbreakers. A statement from state-run PTV News warned that “miscreants” participating in the protest could face the suspension of their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and mobile Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs).
Additionally, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has imposed a two-month ban on public gatherings in the capital. The official notification cited intelligence reports indicating that certain groups were planning unlawful assemblies that could disrupt public peace and order.
As tensions escalate, the nation braces for November 24, with PTI preparing for a large-scale demonstration and the government ready to enforce stringent measures to maintain order.
