The Punjab police have intensified their crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and supporters ahead of the party’s November 24 protest aimed at restoring democracy and the judiciary.
A raid was conducted at PTI leader Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed’s residence in Lahore, with alleged CCTV footage circulating on social media. Rasheed’s son revealed that his father has been imprisoned for over a year, leaving only his mother at home, while the police continue daily raids.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has called on his followers to march toward Islamabad for the protest. Meanwhile, former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry accused the government of planning to hinder the demonstration by arresting PTI workers and blocking roads with shipping containers starting November 21.
The PTI leadership convened at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s residence in Peshawar to finalize the protest strategy. Gandapur urged members to ensure strong participation, emphasizing that each National Assembly member from Punjab must bring ten vehicles, while Punjab Assembly members were instructed to bring five.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan advised workers to travel to Islamabad in groups to avoid arrests, stating, “When the Constitution and law are disregarded, protest is the only solution. We will not back down until our demands are fulfilled.”
Bushra Bibi, the former first lady, reportedly addressed the leadership privately, conveying Imran Khan’s directives. She called for a strong protest and instructed members to mobilize 10,000 participants from each constituency.
Gandapur held discussions with parliamentarians from Malakand and Hazara, directing MNAs to gather 1,000 participants each, while provincial assembly members were asked to bring 500. Workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab will gather at the Islamabad toll plaza for a potential sit-in until demands are met.
Concerns were raised within the party about low participation from Punjab in past protests. The leadership has tasked lawmakers from Punjab with mobilizing greater support to ensure a stronger presence this time. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that Bushra Bibi’s involvement remains focused solely on advocating for Imran Khan’s release, not political aspirations.
