The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly set to postpone its protest planned for October 15, contingent upon securing a meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During a core committee meeting led by Barrister Salman Akram Raja, it was agreed that if a meeting with Khan could be arranged by October 14, the protest would be deferred. The sources indicated that even if discussions with doctors, lawyers, or other party leaders were facilitated, the protest would still be postponed.
However, if no meeting is scheduled, the PTI plans to proceed with the protest as originally planned.
Some members raised concerns about the timing of the protest, particularly in light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, while others, including Shahbaz Gill and Khalid Khurshid, opposed any delay. Ultimately, the leadership and senior members supported the proposal to postpone.
Party members have expressed that the restrictions on meeting Imran Khan, the PTI founder, are part of a “calculated conspiracy” by the government.
The federal government has stated it will deploy “full force” to prevent the PTI protest, coinciding with the high-profile SCO summit. Preparations are underway to welcome around 900 delegates, with over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel mobilized for security.
Coalition ministers have strongly criticized the PTI, accusing it of trying to disrupt the summit and have even called for court intervention. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the PTI’s plans as “political terrorism,” arguing that the party is jeopardizing the country’s economic recovery and recalling past protests that delayed significant diplomatic visits.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also condemned the PTI for inciting chaos, as the opposition party declared its intent to hold a “forceful” protest on the summit’s opening day.
