Defence Minister Khawaja Asif disclosed that most PTI leaders prefer canceling the party’s planned protest in Islamabad on November 24. This statement comes amid heightened tensions, with the government determined to prevent any attempts by demonstrators to enter the federal capital, while PTI remains adamant about staging its “do-or-die” protest.
Speaking to journalists, Asif remarked, “I can name those PTI leaders who wanted the sit-in to be canceled.” He further revealed that the government has formulated an action plan to handle the upcoming protests and warned PTI leadership against involving armed groups in the demonstration.
“If they bring armed groups to the capital, the government will respond accordingly,” Asif cautioned. He also accused PTI of politicizing tragedies, alleging they sought to exploit casualties to create political leverage. “They aim to take dead bodies to KP and politicize the matter, which the government seeks to avoid,” he added, emphasizing that the administration’s stance should not be mistaken for weakness.
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan that protests, sit-ins, or gatherings are prohibited in Islamabad under the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) recent directive. Naqvi explained during a call with the PTI chairman that compliance with the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, is mandatory. This law empowers district authorities to regulate and restrict assemblies, with violators facing penalties of up to three years imprisonment or fines.
Additionally, Naqvi noted that the arrival of a high-level Belarusian delegation, including its president, necessitated strict security measures, further justifying the ban on public gatherings. PTI leadership, meanwhile, deliberated on the potential cancellation of the protest, with many members advocating for dialogue with the government. The matter was referred to the party’s imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, for a final decision.
