The internal dynamics of a meeting among Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House were revealed on Saturday following contact from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister, has called on his supporters to gather in Islamabad on November 24 in support of democracy and the judiciary. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif considers the planned protest an “insurrection,” alleging that PTI seeks to seize control of the federal capital.
Khan has outlined four demands for halting the protests, while his wife stated that the protest date would be adjusted only if Khan is released from jail.
PTI faced a major setback on Thursday when the Islamabad High Court ruled against protests or rallies over the weekend due to a visit from the Belarusian president.
The federal government has deployed additional security forces to assist in maintaining order during the demonstration.
As the 9 pm deadline set by Naqvi approached, attempts by former president Arif Alvi and KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur to contact Aleema Khan by phone were unsuccessful. Sources reported that Khan’s sister did not answer calls from either Alvi or Gandapur.
In response, a party leaders’ meeting was scheduled for 9 pm at the CM’s House to consult with former first lady Bushra Bibi. Former president Alvi requested Gohar to travel to Peshawar for further discussions.
Naqvi Reaches Out to PTI Chairman:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made a second attempt to contact PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday to discuss the protest. However, the interior ministry claimed that there had only been one contact and was awaiting a response from PTI.
The ministry clarified that no formal negotiations were taking place with PTI and no committee had been established.
Naqvi informed Gohar during the second call that an 80-member foreign delegation would soon arrive in Pakistan, stressing that a protest or sit-in during their visit would be inappropriate. The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth visit for the delegation, which was a key reason for restricting political activities.
In response, Gohar stated that consultations with other party leaders were ongoing, and a final decision would be made after discussions with the leadership.
Belarusian President’s Visit:
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is scheduled to visit Pakistan from November 25-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations, according to the Foreign Office.
Updates on Naqvi’s Call:
Gohar briefed KP Chief Minister Gandapur about Naqvi’s phone call. He was expected to deliver a final decision to the interior minister by 6 pm. Naqvi had previously informed Gohar about the Islamabad High Court’s ruling and emphasized that the government could not allow protests, sit-ins, or rallies in light of the court order.
The Belarusian delegation is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on November 24, with President Lukashenko arriving on November 25, staying until November 27.
Naqvi’s Stance on Protest:
Interior Minister Naqvi warned that anyone attempting to enter Islamabad would not leave unchallenged. He indicated that tear gas and arrests were planned to maintain control. He instructed the police to prepare for a crackdown and work together to ensure the safety of the capital.
PML-N’s Criticism of PTI Leadership:
PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry criticized Imran Khan and his associates for “turning the country into a spectacle.” He claimed that Bushra Bibi’s recent statement had been made in consultation with the PTI founder, accusing the PTI leadership of targeting friendly nations and saying they should be ashamed of their actions.
