Imran says nothing can stop Nov 24 march
PTI founder Imran Khan has said that despite being granted bail, he has not been released, and now the planned protest march to Islamabad on November 24 will take place under all circumstances.
The founder of the PTI stated that the deadline has passed, and nothing can stop his party from proceeding. "The fact that I have not been released, despite being granted bail, means that these people are not serious about negotiations. They had a golden opportunity to release me."
During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Thursday, Imran further said that Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar had offered to postpone the protest, claiming that everything would be fine.
"I had demanded the release of myself and the under-trial individuals to assess the seriousness of the negotiations. This demand was something that could have been fulfilled immediately, but they did not do it," the incarcerated former prime minister said.
"Negotiations were ongoing, but it became clear that they were not serious; they just wanted to delay the protest. The high court approved my bail yesterday, and the government had a golden opportunity to release me. It became clear that the government wants to engage me and prolong the matter."
He said it also became evident that the real power lies with those who orchestrated this. "All this was done to show that they are above the law, and can do whatever they want."
The PTI founder further stated that while he is in jail, case after case is being filed against him.
"This is what a banana republic looks like. I am sending a message to lawyers, judges, workers, and social activists to come out on November 24 for the protest. The high court grants bail, but here it is decided in advance that I will not be released. Once the 26th Constitutional Amendment is fully implemented, there will be no relief from anywhere."
He added that as a living nation, the people of Pakistan have no option but to protest. "On November 24, there will be a massive protest by Pakistanis living abroad because they live in free countries. We now know the government's intentionsthere will be protests, but negotiations will continue."
He asserted that the protest on November 24 will definitely take place. Imran added it was clear that the rulers would not release him before November 24.
"Why should we trust them?" he asked. "If negotiations take place, only then will progress be made. If they are serious about talks, they should release our people. While in jail, I have been charged in 60 cases. How many surety bonds did Nawaz Sharif submit? Even biometric data was taken at the airport. I cannot name the people involved in the ongoing negotiations, but I can say that there is no seriousness in them."
He underlined that the release of all arrested individuals is part of their charter of demands. "I have been granted bail in all major cases, but despite this, I have not been released. There has been no seriousness in these negotiations. Political parties never close the doors to negotiations. We will protest, and negotiations will continue."
Earlier, PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser stated that the government has made contact for negotiations with Ali Amin Gandapur, and Imran Khan has allowed Gandapur to lead the talks over his release.
In a conversation with a private channel at his residence in Swabi, Asad Qaiser said that the contact for negotiations with Ali Amin Gandapur has been made, and now the party will decide how and to what extent they want to negotiate.
"However, the most important thing is that the PTI founder has allowed Gandapur to negotiate. Now, it remains to be seen how serious the government is and how seriously they move forward with this agenda."
Asad Qaiser further mentioned that they have changed their strategy for the protest on November 24. This time, there is a great deal of enthusiasm among the public. From Swabi, there will be so many people that even if locals from other areas do not join, it will still be enough.
"Workers from Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Nowshera will travel to Islamabad from Swabi, while workers from other districts will march toward Islamabad via different routes.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser also mentioned that he had met with Bushra Bibi. He said she had suffered greatly, and spent 8 months in jail.
"Bushra Bibi is the wife of Imran Khan and although she is a non-political woman, what happened to her compels her to play a role in this movement. However, all instructions and directives come solely from Imran Khan."
Asad Qaiser stated that the PTI is the largest political party, and the people gave them the mandate, but it was forcibly taken away. "A government was formed on the basis of a fake mandate, and legislation is being passed through this regime," the former NA speaker stressed.
He also mentioned that they believe the country must achieve stability, as it is facing significant law and order challenges.
"If the situation continues in this manner, the country will head toward anarchy. We believe in the Constitution and rule of law, and think the country cannot progress until the judiciary is free, the rule of law is established, and the people are treated with respect."
Asad Qaiser further lamented that there is no government in the country, but instead, oppression, coercion, and violence prevail. He said that parliament has lost its value and respect.
He added that if the government tries to corner them, they will have no option but to protest.
Former first lady Bushra Bibi has said that she has come to convey the message of the founding chairman.
"Imran Khan has stated that he himself will announce the protest on November 24. He has invited all Pakistanis to join the protest, regardless of their background or class. He said that he wants the supremacy of law, which is why everyone should join this protest. He has sent a course of action and a message, which will be revealed in due course," she said.
"The important point is that there are efforts to change the date of November 24. We are not negotiating, and the date of the protest will not change. Only Imran Khan will decide the next course of action when he comes out; no one else can change the date or the plan."
Imran's wife said it was the duty of the people to come out. "I request the police not to harm or arrest them, as this is their right. The police and other institutions should respect the law instead of oppressing PTI workers and filing cases against them. Why are they being arrested and thrown in jail?" she asked.
Bushra Bibi continued that the reason they are in jail today is because they raised their voice for justice. "Are all sacrifices to be made by Khan alone? Have you not thought that this country and its businesses do not belong to you? Today, he is in solitary confinement after being in jail for over a year and a half." She said that judges and lawyers are not fulfilling their responsibility to provide justice.
They are sitting silently inside, while the PTI is being prevented from protesting through legal petitions, she said.
Bushra continued that there is no law that stops people from protesting. "How many people will you imprison? We have not taken the law into our hands, nor should anyone else. It is wrong. Khan has said that stopping someone by force is oppression."
She further stated the claim that Khan is angry and will come out for revenge is false. "He says that he has never thought of taking revenge, and he does not desire it. This is all a lie. He says that revenge is not his way."