Imran's release precondition for talks between PTI and govt: Barrister Saif

Barrister Saif criticises the government over its heavy-handed approach to curb PTI's planned November 24 protest

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's Information and Public Relations Adviser Barrister Dr Saif has stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is open to negotiations with the government, but only on the condition that Imran Khan is released.

The statement comes amidst growing tensions between PTI and the government, with both sides bracing for the former’s planned protest on November 24 in Islamabad.

In an interview, Barrister Saif criticised the government for its heavy-handed approach, including the deployment of security forces and the use of containers to block routes leading to the capital, Express News reported.

Despite these measures, he emphasised that PTI will proceed with the protest, vowing that people from Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa would march to Islamabad to assert their demands.

“We are ready for talks, but only if the release of Imran Khan is part of the deal,” said Barrister Saif. He went on to describe the federal government as a “fake” administration, accusing it of using unlawful methods to suppress PTI’s peaceful demonstration.

PTI’s protest, planned for November 24, aims to pressure the government to meet its demands, including the release of party chairman Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.

Barrister Saif claimed that the upcoming protest would be larger and more formidable than the one held by PTI in 2014.

“The government fears the will of the people. They’ve deployed security forces from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir, but despite all this, we will march to Islamabad and make our voices heard,” he added.

Saif also accused the government of trying to stifle PTI’s growing political influence through fear tactics and unlawful arrests.

While PTI is steadfast in its stance, the situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether any official dialogue will take place before the protest.

The coming days are critical for Pakistan’s political landscape as the country braces for another round of unrest, with PTI determined to press on with their demands.

Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi ahead PTI's protest

The Rawalpindi administration has placed containers to block key roads and imposed Section 144 across the city ahead of PTI's planned November 24 protest.

Containers have been positioned at key locations such as Fawara Chowk and Liaquat Road, including near the church on Liaquat Road and near Fawara Chowk Parking Plaza, Express News reported.

The government has taken robust measures to stop PTI's protest, with additional containers being deployed on the main roads and intersections of the city.

The containers are being placed on the sides of the roads to prevent any disruption.

The Rawalpindi police have also decided to seal off 47 locations within the city, while police pickets will be established at 34 locations in Rawalpindi Cantt and surrounding areas.

Over 4,500 personnel will be deployed across the city on November 24 to maintain law and order.

Special security arrangements have been made around Adiala Jail and Adiala Road, with plans to seal off various points along Adiala Road.

Additional police commandos have been deployed at key installations in Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas to enhance security.

In light of PTI's call for a protest in Islamabad on November 24, Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi until November 26.

The notification prohibits gatherings, rallies, or any assembly of more than four people in the city.

According to senior police officers, extensive arrangements are being made to ensure peace and security within the city.

Previously a similar situation arose when in response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) grand rally in Swabi on November 9, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for three days.

This move restricted all gatherings, rallies, and weapon displays, according to a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema.

Security was heightened as Rawalpindi and Attock police were on high alert, prepared for any potential emergency situations involving PTI convoys.

Lahore’s Central Police Office deployed 1,500 personnel from four districts, including Punjab Constabulary and Highway Patrolling Police, under the supervision of Rawalpindi’s RPO.