Imran gives call for 'final showdown' in capital

Gandapur says fully prepared to fight 'final round'

RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan announced his much-anticipated "final call" for a protest in Islamabad on November 24, once again setting government radars buzzing amid a fierce crackdown on the party's recent similar moves towards the federal capital.

Declaring it a rallying cry against a "stolen mandate," "unjust arrests," and the recent passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the incarcerated leader's announcement has set the stage for a potential confrontation.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan, Imran's sister, urged assembly members, voters, party workers, and leaders to participate.

She conveyed Imran's message as it was "the last chance to choose" between military rule and true freedom.

She recalled the controversial February 8 elections, saying that despite attempts to obstruct their voting rights, people exercised their constitutional rights, taking power from an elite culture and gaining strength.

However, she lamented that by February 9, the entire mandate was allegedly "stolen" with representatives seated in the National Assembly eventually bringing in the 26th Amendment.

"You used your right [to vote] on February 8…. but the next day, the foundation you had laid for democracy was stolen."

Quoting the PTI founder, Aleema said that the rule of law and the independence of the Supreme Court have been undermined. "All of your rights have been taken away; the Supreme Court has been occupied, and the current conditions are even worse than previous martial laws."

Aleema explained that Imran's call is directed at four key groups—farmers, lawyers, civil society, and students—urging them to stand up for their rights and protest for change.

Meanwhile, K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur confirmed his province's readiness for the announced Islamabad march, declaring that the "final date has arrived".

He said the provincial government was ready to fight the "final round" and that "there will be no turning back" this time.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Gandapur stated that while preparations had been in place, the time has come to strengthen efforts, assuring that they would set out with even greater resolve.

Gandapur asserted that the marchers will not return until their demands, including the release of Imran Khan, are met. "The announcement has been made, and now it's time to head out."

 

Govt alarmed

 

On the other hand, members of the ruling PML-N and its allies in the government appeared on edge over the latest call for protest, fearing that, as in the past, it could spiral into chaos and sow the seeds of anarchy.

Reacting to Imran's call, PPP Vice-President Senator Sherry Rehman condemned it as "a call for chaos and provocation".

She stated, "We have also held peaceful protests but never told workers to kill or die."

Rehman criticised Imran's motives, questioning the true purpose behind the "so-called final and decisive protest".

She added, "Those who ordered workers to go out with a shroud on their heads should fear God," referring to the sacrifices made by PPP leaders without resorting to violent calls for action.

The PPP leader further accused Imran of "using workers as political fuel for his release".

Similarly, in a sharp retort, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah accused Imran of orchestrating an "armed struggle" against the government.

Speaking on a private news channel, Sanaullah claimed that Imran's recent statements hint at a calculated move towards violence.

When asked who might lead such a movement, Sanaullah pointed to Imran's regular visitors who publicly support his cause.

He also referred to the recent remarks by KP CM Gandapur in Swabi, warning that the rhetoric indicated intentions of inciting a struggle against the state.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui also expressed scepticism about the PTI founder's 13th "final call" for a revolution, predicting it will likely meet the same fate as his previous 12 such attempts since his ouster following a no-confidence vote.

Siddiqui, the parliamentary party leader of PML-N in the Senate and chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, shared these remarks on the social media platform 'X'.

Senator Siddiqui questioned the PTI founder, about what kind of future he envisions for Pakistan as he calls on his supporters to take to the streets.

He said the PTI's four-year tenure-marked by a disregard for the rule of law, incarceration of innocent individuals, and stolen mandates-was the worst period in Pakistan's history.