Barrister Gauhar and Barrister Saif held a crucial meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, which lasted for about an hour and a half. Following the meeting, both leaders emerged from the jail but did not provide any detailed comments regarding the discussions.
Speaking to the media afterward, Barrister Gauhar described the meeting as “important” and reaffirmed that the call for protest issued by Imran Khan remains unchanged. “The protest is not being called off; it is final,” he stated emphatically.
When asked about the ongoing negotiations, Barrister Gauhar remained optimistic, adding, “If they proceed, God willing, we will engage in talks.”
Security Lockdown Ahead of Imran Khan’s Supporter Protests
On Sunday, ahead of planned protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanding his release, Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was placed under a security lockdown. Key highways leading to the city, which are expected to be used by PTI supporters to reach the parliament area, were blocked by authorities.
Most major roads within Islamabad were also shut off, with shipping containers obstructing traffic. Large contingents of police and paramilitary forces in riot gear were deployed across the city, while mobile phone services were suspended. The Islamabad police issued a statement banning all gatherings under legal provisions.
Restrictions on Communication and Calls for Mobilization
Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported on X (formerly Twitter) that WhatsApp services had been restricted ahead of the protests. A prominent PTI ally, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who is expected to lead a large convoy into Islamabad, urged supporters to gather at the entrance of the city’s red zone, specifically near “D-Chowk.” The red zone houses vital government buildings, including the parliament, as well as foreign embassies and institutions.
In a video message on Saturday, Gandapur said, “Khan has called on us to stay at D-Chowk until all our demands are met.”
PTI’s Demands and Khan’s Imprisonment
The PTI’s demands include the release of its leaders, including Khan, and the resignation of the current government, which they claim came to power through a rigged election earlier this year. Imran Khan has been in jail since August of the previous year, facing multiple charges, ranging from corruption to incitement of violence, following his ousting by parliament in 2022. Both he and his party deny all charges.
Public Concern Over Protests
Despite the growing unrest, not all Islamabad residents are supportive of the protests. Muhammad Asif, a 35-year-old local, expressed concern over the impact of continued demonstrations, saying, “These constant protests are damaging the economy and creating instability. We need political leaders to sit down and resolve these issues.”
The last PTI protest in Islamabad, which took place in early October, turned violent, resulting in the death of a police officer, numerous injuries to security personnel, and the arrest of several protesters. Both the government and PTI accused each other of instigating the clashes.
