PTI defies Nawaz, plans post-Ramazan protests

Says party leaders prevented from meeting Imran Khan

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RAWALPINDI:

Despite PML-N President Nawaz Sharif's warning to curb any attempts at creating an "artificial political crisis," the PTI on Thursday announced plans to launch a protest movement after Ramazan and reaffirmed its commitment to forming a grand opposition alliance.

PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan expressed these views while talking to the media outside Adiala Jail after being denied a scheduled meeting with party's founding chairman Imran Khan. He was flanked by other party leaders, including Hamid Raza, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Aamir Khan Bachar and Shandana Gulzar,

Junaid emphasised that PTI leaders would respond to their chairman's call regardless of government restrictions. He dismissed claims that party leaders were avoiding jail visits, asserting that they remained steadfast in their support. He also reiterated party's commitment to forming a grand opposition alliance and organising protests after Eid.

The PTI leaders did not rule out the possibility of a sit-in outside Adiala Jail if necessary.

On Wednesday, Nawaz asserted that the people would no longer allow anyone to throw a spanner in the works of national progress. He stressed that Pakistan's progress will not be derailed by "groups unfamiliar with the principles of politics and democracy".

Raza criticised the government, saying that political discourse had deteriorated and accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's family of past unethical political tactics. He said the establishment would no longer bear the burden of the current rulers.

Raza further commented that PTI leaders were deliberately prevented from meeting their party's founder, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. He claimed that some figures within the government were attempting to mislead the public by portraying opposition leaders in a negative light.

Bachar condemned the authorities for making them wait for hours before refusing their meeting request. He slammed the "government's tactics" and accused the incumbent regime of imposing an illegitimate administration. He refuted accusations that PTI was responsible for indecent political behaviour, stating that it was the ruling party's leaders who first engaged in unethical political attacks.

The PTI leaders also highlighted the case of Waqas Arslan whose wife allegedly suffered a miscarriage due to police brutality. They demanded accountability from the Punjab chief minister and the IGP. They warned that the people's anger against the government was growing, which could be dangerous for democracy and the country's stability.