Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to postpone the civil disobedience movement following requests from his party leadership.
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan said her brother expressed concern for the country’s situation and agreed to delay the movement. “I am worried about the country and believe I should wait for a few days,” she quoted him as saying.
On December 5, Imran Khan had unveiled his “trump card,” warning of a civil disobedience movement if the government failed to meet his demands. These included the release of political prisoners and a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26. Khan also formed a negotiation committee to engage with the government on these issues.
Khan’s decision comes in the wake of violent protests held by the PTI on November 24, aimed at demanding the restoration of the party’s electoral mandate and the release of detained members. Clashes between PTI supporters and security forces in Islamabad from November 24 to 27 resulted in six fatalities, including a police officer and Rangers personnel.
Aleema Khan revealed that Imran Khan had directed PTI leaders to present two key demands to the government: a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 incidents, and the release of “innocent” party workers. She further warned that Khan may consider urging citizens to stop sending foreign remittances if the demands remain unmet.
Imran Khan reiterated his stance that the “London Plan” was orchestrated to dismantle his party, highlighting the Supreme Court’s decision to revoke PTI’s bat symbol and the mass arrests of party workers following the May 9 protests.
