ISLAMABAD: Hours after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan issued a “final call” for a protest in Islamabad on November 24 against the ruling coalition, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declared there would be no “turning back” until their demands were met.
“Imran’s sister Aleema Khan has confirmed the protest date, and preparations are complete—this time, there’s no turning back,” Gandapur told journalists in Peshawar.
Earlier, the imprisoned PTI leader urged his supporters to march to Islamabad on November 24, according to his lawyer and sister. Speaking in Rawalpindi, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry stated, “Imran says this is the final call for an anti-government protest. The PTI founder insists the entire party leadership will join the march.”
Chaudhry added that the protest would extend beyond Islamabad to locations across Pakistan and abroad wherever Imran’s supporters are present.
Gandapur reiterated that there would be “no turning back,” following Imran’s November 24 call for protest.
Chaudhry explained that a committee had been formed for the march, with names kept confidential to avoid preemptive arrests. Each party leader was briefed on their role, with the committee empowered to make strategic decisions during the protest.
According to Chaudhry, the protest demands include the withdrawal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of PTI’s mandate, and the release of detained workers.
Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, highlighted the significance of the protest, saying, “Imran told Pakistanis they must choose between living under martial law or enjoying freedom.”
Earlier, party sources suggested some leaders were cautious, warning that an unprepared protest could backfire. Since Imran’s arrest in August 2023, PTI has held nationwide protests demanding his release and contesting the legitimacy of the 2024 elections.
In response, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that Imran’s “do-or-die” call could invite a crackdown. “By talking of shrouds and funerals, PTI is giving law enforcers a reason to take action against them,” Sanaullah said.
