Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has reiterated that his party's planned protest in Islamabad on November 24 will proceed, asserting that no assurances have been given for his release.
In a statement from Adiala Jail, Khan said that an offer was made through party leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar to suspend the protest, but his demands for the release of detained party members were not met.
Imran emphasised that the government’s decision not to free him, despite Islamabad High Court (IHC) approving his bail, demonstrates a lack of sincerity in negotiations.
He accused authorities of attempting to extend his incarceration and thwart the protest.
“We are left with no choice but to protest like a living nation,” Imran remarked, adding that the November 24 rally will see participation from Pakistanis abroad who enjoy freedom in other countries.
He asserted that negotiations would continue, though he expressed doubts about the government’s seriousness.
In recent weeks, Imran’s PTI has staged protests calling for judicial and political reforms, with the former prime minister positioning himself as a key opposition figure despite ongoing legal challenges.
He described his treatment in jail as "evidence" of a "banana republic” and called on lawyers, civil society groups, and citizens to participate in the demonstration.
The government has yet to respond to the former prime minister's latest statements, but a heavy police presence is expected in the capital ahead of the planned rally on November 24.
Imran's release precondition for talks between PTI and Govt: Barrister Saif
Earlier today, Barrister Saif stated that the PTI is open to negotiations with the government, but only if Imran Khan’s release is a precondition.
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.
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.
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