Imran Khan has issued a final call to his supporters, urging them to gather in Islamabad on November 24 to oppose the government. However, as in previous instances, PTI’s leadership appears hesitant, and concerned about the potential failure of this call to action. The ongoing series of protest failures, where objectives remain unmet and momentum quickly dissipates, has diminished the enthusiasm of both political activists and the general public. Historically, PTI has faced difficulties in maintaining large-scale mobilisation, with initial surges often fading due to poor planning and mismanagement. This has led to widespread disorder and unrest in the capital, where protests, instead of achieving their intended goals, have often resulted in chaos and disruption.
These recurring protests have transformed Islamabad into a city of blockades, with road closures severely impacting daily life. The education sector, with its concentration of institutions in the capital, suffers as students and faculty are unable to reach their campuses, leading to a significant setback. The final call, which has the potential to be a high-stakes event, risks backfiring, leaving PTI vulnerable to embarrassment and potentially strengthening the government’s position. This could provide a justification for the use of force against the protesters. If PTI fails to achieve any tangible results, this final call may become its last misstep. Without a clear and effective strategy, the march could become another major disruption in Islamabad, a city already dealing with security challenges and ongoing threats of terrorism.
Sajjad Ali Memon
Islamabad
