After the apparent failure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) “do-or-die” protest, the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, has issued a warning to the government, threatening to launch a “civil disobedience” movement if his demands are not met. These demands include the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the crackdown on PTI supporters.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Imran announced the creation of a five-member negotiation committee comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser. The committee, he stated, will engage with the federal government on two key issues: the release of “political prisoners” facing trial and the establishment of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9, 2023, as well as the late-night crackdown on PTI protesters on November 26.
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“If these demands are not fulfilled, a civil disobedience movement will commence on December 14,” the jailed former premier declared, holding the government accountable for any consequences of such a movement.
The PTI’s highly publicized protest in Islamabad, which sought to secure Imran Khan’s release after more than a year of incarceration, ended abruptly following a midnight crackdown by the government.
PTI has alleged that at least 12 of its workers were killed and over 1,000 arrested during the protest. However, the government denies using live ammunition and claims that four law enforcement personnel, including three Rangers and one policeman, were martyred during the clashes.
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In his statement, Imran also announced plans for a “grand gathering” in Peshawar on December 13 to honor the “martyrs” he claims were killed during the Islamabad protest. He further asserted that hundreds of PTI workers remain “missing” and called on the Supreme Court to intervene and uphold its constitutional duty.
“We approached the Supreme Court, as well as the Lahore and Islamabad High Courts, regarding serious human rights violations, but no action has been taken,” he added.