Khawaja Saad Rafique slams PTI protests amid arrival of foreign guests

He urged PTI to unconditionally withdraw its protest call, suggesting that the government should arrange a meeting between PTI leaders and Imran Khan.

Saad Rafique noted that even if a meeting were arranged, the PTI might still find reasons to protest, advocating for a resolution to eliminate their grievances.

The PML-N leader also recalled his experiences during Imran Khan's tenure, stating, "In the past, long-term prisoners had limited visitation rights, which did not include political or personal friends."

PM says won't allow repeat of PTI's 2014 dharna

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the media on Tuesday, reflected on the recent protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad, comparing it to the party's prolonged sit-in in 2014.

He expressed a strong commitment to preventing any recurrence of such events, which he described as a "gory tale" that had a detrimental impact on the country’s image and economy.

In his opening remarks, Shehbaz noted that the PTI had staged a months-long sit-in back in 2014, which persisted despite the imminent visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan.

He emphasised the irresponsibility of the party, stating that they appeared unconcerned about the potential repercussions of their actions on the nation during a critical diplomatic moment.

The Prime Minister condemned the timing of the protest, suggesting that it had been strategically planned to coincide with the visit of the Chinese premier, which he believed was an attempt to create chaos.

He reiterated that such allegations against the government only served to undermine Pakistan’s interests and relationships with key allies.

Shehbaz concluded with a firm promise, stating, "We would not allow it [the sit-in] to be repeated. We would not tolerate it at any rate, at any cost. This was my promise. I would not let it happen."

His remarks highlighted the government's determination to maintain order and uphold the country’s diplomatic engagements, especially during significant international visits.

PTI announces D-Chowk protest amid claims of oppression

A few days ago, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political committee had convened for an emergency meeting to discuss its upcoming protest plans.

During this meeting, which notably excluded Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the committee members deliberated on the pressing need to mobilise support for their cause.

Concerns were raised about the current political landscape and the party's direction moving forward.

After the meeting, PTI Secretary of Information Sheikh Waqas Akram issued a public statement detailing the decision to hold a large-scale protest at D-Chowk.

He called for all organisational heads, from the central committee to regional levels, to prepare for the demonstration and rally support among party workers.

This was seen as a significant effort to galvanise the party base amidst ongoing political challenges.

In a strategic move, the PTI political committee opted to cancel previously planned protests across Punjab to focus efforts on the D-Chowk demonstration.

The decision reflected the party's aim to concentrate resources and attention on the upcoming protest, as they sought to amplify their message and visibility on a national stage.

The committee reiterated its stance against what it termed "illegitimate rulers," accusing them of undermining the democratic process and disregarding the Constitution.

In the statement, the committee expressed grave concerns for Imran Khan's welfare, alleging that his rights were being systematically stripped away, thereby placing his health and safety at risk.