PTI Islamabad protest: Mohsin Naqvi contacts Barrister Gohar, denies permission for rally or sit-in

PTI to consult leadership as government withholds rally approval amid visit of a high-ranking Belarusian delegation.

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Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has informed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar that the government will not grant permission for any sit-in or rally in Islamabad due to security concerns during an official visit from a high-ranking Belarusian delegation.

Naqvi’s call to Barrister Gohar comes as Pakistan prepares for an 80-member Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, to arrive in Islamabad from November 24 to 27, Express News reported.

The interior minister noted that the government is bound by Islamabad High Court guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits.

Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit. He further explained that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorised.

Gohar responded by saying he would consult with party leaders before finalising a response.

Earlier today, PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram has said that the party will 'break through any barriers to reach their destination at D-Chowk, and that they will not return without achieving their objective.'

Akram stated, "The Constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest, and we will not surrender under any circumstances. On November 24, the entire nation will be on the streets," Express News reported.

Meanwhile, The leadership of PTI has reiterated its stance of marching towards Islamabad tomorrow, with plans for a sit-in at D-Chowk, Islamabad, regardless of any obstacles.

In a meeting chaired by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, senior PTI leaders including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former President Arif Alvi, Shibli Faraz, Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, and other leaders, made the final decision to proceed with the protest.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised its plan for the November 24 protest, which includes the booking of heavy machinery.

According to PTI Peshawar region president, Arbab Asim, there is no shortage of heavy machinery this time. "We will use private machinery to remove obstacles, and the responsibility for security will rest with the Youth Wing."

As PTI prepares to flex its muscles on November 24, the government has rolled out extensive security measures, including invoking Section 144 across Punjab for three days and deploying thousands of personnel in the federal capital to maintain law and order.

For the first time, high-ranking officers accompany the contingents, with district-level commanders overseeing their teams.

The Punjab inspector general is also in Islamabad to coordinate efforts.