PTI plans nationwide protests, rallies with other political parties

Party leader Asad Qaiser says govt falsely presents itself as proponent of democracy

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has stated that efforts will be made to unite all parties at the national and provincial levels as they plan protests across the country, reported Express News.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Thursday, Qaiser expressed his concerns regarding the current government's approach, describing it as "fascist" while claiming they falsely present themselves as proponents of democracy.

He said that elected representatives have other important discussions to conduct beyond just political dialogue with their leader. He further accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of governing the province through "fascist methods," asserting that citizens are being deprived of their democratic rights.

"These tactics will not intimidate us; that is your misconception," he stated, reaffirming the PTI's commitment to fight constitutional and legal battles. Qaiser added that such governments do not last long.

During a press conference in Lahore PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also announced nationwide protest movement against the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on judicial reforms and was strongly opposed by the former ruling party during its passage in parliament earlier this month.

He described the 26th Amendment as "an attack on the Constitution of Pakistan and the judiciary." He stated that the party would firmly resist these constitutional changes and revealed plans to organise sit-ins and demonstrations across the country.

This major announcement follows a series of protests and power shows led by the PTI to pressure the incumbent government to retract the judiciary-centric amendments.

Earlier this month, the opposition party had planned a protest at D-Chowk for October 15, but postponed it due to the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad.

Raja also condemned the government's alleged mistreatment of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail for over a year. He claimed that "inhumane treatment" is being inflicted upon Khan, an allegation denied by Adiala Jail authorities.

When questioned about Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, following her release from jail, Raja clarified that she has no intentions to engage in the country’s politics.

In response to comments made by Sher Afzal Marwat, who criticised PTI leadership over the effectiveness of their protest movements, Raja hinted at potential disciplinary action against him.

"We are giving a chance to Sher Afzal Marwat. If he fails to maintain the party's discipline, then we will take action against him," he stated.

Reacting to Raja’s remarks, Marwat expressed regret and reaffirmed his readiness to work with Raja, asserting, "You [Salman Akram Raja] are neither my boss nor do you have any authority to control me.

PTI founder and [party chairman] Barrister Gohar Ali Khan are my bosses, and I'm answerable to them. No other individual holds value for me."

Notably, Marwat had previously described the party's protest efforts as "not up to the mark" during a recent meeting with the incarcerated PTI founder, claiming that Khan had ordered the formation of a new protest committee, in which he would participate.