Imran Khan sets November 24 as the “final call” to march to Islamabad
Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has issued what he calls a “final call” for a nationwide anti-government protest on November 24, according to his sister Aleema Khan and lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. This protest, aimed at addressing grievances over the alleged “stolen mandate” of the February 8 elections and challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment, has sparked significant debate within PTI’s senior leadership regarding its potential risks and effectiveness.
In a statement outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan relayed Imran Khan’s urgent call to action, emphasizing the protest as a pivotal choice between “freedom and military rule.” She urged citizens from all sectors, including farmers, lawyers, civil society, students, and overseas Pakistanis, to join in demanding the return of what she described as PTI’s rightful mandate, adherence to the rule of law, and the independence of Pakistan’s judiciary. This rally, set for Islamabad, is intended to gather widespread support, with PTI planning simultaneous protests across Pakistan and among the Pakistani diaspora worldwide.
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Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry highlighted that the protest would involve the entire PTI leadership, with a committee established to oversee operations. The committee, however, remains anonymous due to concerns about potential arrests, underscoring the tense political climate surrounding the event. The committee will hold decision-making power over the march’s progress, ensuring no single figure controls the protest’s direction, a precautionary measure reflecting the party’s strategic caution.
However, not all within PTI support the high-stakes protest. Some senior PTI leaders, particularly those in parliament or in government roles within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), have voiced concerns over the possible consequences. According to party insiders, these leaders fear the all-or-nothing approach could backfire, potentially triggering a government crackdown, mass arrests, and further legal challenges for the party. They argue that past instances of government resistance to PTI protests suggest the authorities may use force to counter the movement.
This cautious perspective, supported by influential figures such as PTI Secretary Information Waqas Shaikh, warns that a protest of this scale without thorough planning or adequate resources could ultimately harm PTI’s cause and drain its resources. Shaikh pointed out that past legal battles have successfully brought relief to Khan in various cases, stressing that continued engagement with the judicial process might prove more effective in securing his release than street protests.
Despite these internal disagreements, Khan’s supporters on the ground are eager for the “do-or-die” protest. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has confirmed preparations for the protest, indicating a commitment to lead a convoy from KPK to Islamabad. Previous rallies, like the one in Swabi, have faced disappointment due to a lack of follow-through on planned protest dates, adding to the frustration among PTI’s base. Gandapur stated resolutely, “There is no turning back this time,” underscoring the determination of Khan’s loyalists to press forward until their demands are met.
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