Imran Khan maintains call to halt remittances as protest if demands not met: PTI
In a steadfast stance against alleged political suppression, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan has reiterated his call to overseas Pakistanis to withhold remittances as a form of protest. The announcement was made by PTI’s negotiation committee spokesperson Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who addressed the media outside Adiala Jail on Thursday.
According to Raza, the former prime minister remains unwavering despite mounting challenges against the party. PTI considers withholding remittances as a powerful method to protest the alleged curtailment of civil and human rights, suppression of the party, and what they describe as the theft of their electoral mandate. Khan emphasized his readiness to forgive personal injustices done to him, while remaining resolute in seeking justice for the party and its supporters.
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The PTI spokesperson highlighted the committee’s key demands, which include:
- Judicial Commissions for Critical Incidents:
- The formation of commissions led by senior judges to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 26 incident.
- Release of CCTV footage to identify those responsible for instigating violence during the May 9 riots.
- Addressing the November 26 incident, which resulted in 13 deaths and 64 injuries, termed as an “attack on democracy.”
- Release of Detained PTI Members:
- Immediate release of party members detained across the country.
- Assurance of Khan’s release through legal and judicial means, not through political deals. Raza expressed frustration over Khan’s continued detention despite court orders, citing the frequent filing of new cases to extend his imprisonment.
Imran Khan expressed full confidence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister and praised parliamentarians and workers for their resilience in the face of oppression, calling them his pride. He also directed swift action to address the Kurram Agency issue.
On regional matters, Khan condemned recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance to remain neutral in foreign conflicts. He emphasized the need for resolving disputes with Afghanistan through peaceful dialogue.
The PTI aims to conclude its negotiations with the government by January 31, 2025. This deadline will be formally communicated by committee leader Omar Ayub. A meeting with government representatives is scheduled for the second of next month, where PTI will present its demands and reiterate its commitment to achieving a constitutional and peaceful resolution to ongoing issues.
Govt dismisses PTI’s negotiation deadline as “Face-Saving” attempt
The federal government has dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) January 31 deadline for concluding negotiations as a mere “face-saving” tactic following recent political setbacks. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI’s ultimatum, linking it to the party’s diminishing influence after failed initiatives, such as the Islamabad protest and campaigns like the boycott of remittances.
PTI, however, reiterated its demands for a judicial probe into the May 9 riots, the late-night November 26 crackdown, and the release of “political prisoners,” with negotiation team member Sahibzada Hamid Raza emphasizing Imran Khan’s willingness to forgive grievances for Pakistan’s sake. Despite talks, PTI’s civil disobedience movement continues, maintaining its pressure on the government.
Negotiations between the government and PTI formally began after months of tension, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions. PTI, led by Asad Qaiser and other party figures, is set to present written demands in the next session on January 2.
On the government’s side, the committee includes key figures like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Naveed Qamar, and MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Senator Irfan Siddiqui as the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation team, which aims to navigate the delicate political situation and achieve a resolution through dialogue.
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