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Thursday, November 14, 2024

Imran Khan’s ‘Final Call’ for Islamabad Protest on Nov 24 Spurs Controversy

Imran Khan has called for a major protest in Islamabad on November 24, challenging the government's actions and alleged electoral manipulation.

PTI founder Imran Khan has issued a “final call” for a protest in Islamabad on November 24, criticizing what he described as a “stolen mandate,” the “unjust arrests” of supporters, and the government’s recent push to pass the 26th constitutional amendment. Imran’s call to action follows his August 2023 arrest and subsequent nationwide protests by his party, demanding his release and denouncing alleged “rigging” in the upcoming February 2024 elections.

Since the May 9, 2023 events, PTI leaders have faced numerous arrests, mostly for leading protests. Just a day prior, several top PTI members were detained outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for violating Section 144 but were released with a warning. Last month, protests led to the arrest of multiple PTI figures across Punjab, although most were later released on bail, including Imran’s sisters Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan.

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After visiting Imran in Adiala Jail, Aleema shared that the final protest call extends to PTI ticket holders, MPs, supporters, and groups such as farmers, lawyers, civil society, and students. She quoted Imran as saying, “This is the time to choose between living under martial law or choosing freedom,” and condemning the 26th Amendment as a violation of citizens’ rights. He described current conditions as worse than past martial laws, urging people to stand up for democracy.

This latest call follows a string of October protests across Pakistan, during which PTI supporters gathered in Islamabad despite heavy blockades and severe weather, reaching D-Chowk. Authorities had implemented strict measures to limit protester access to the capital. On November 8, clashes between police and PTI supporters in Quetta left several injured after authorities canceled a scheduled rally.

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In response, PPP Vice-President Senator Sherry Rehman condemned Imran’s call, describing it as a “call for chaos and provocation” rather than peaceful protest. She argued that the PPP has protested peacefully in the past without inciting violence. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah also criticized Imran, accusing PTI of planning an “armed struggle” against the government, referring to recent statements by PTI leaders and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s speech at a recent Swabi rally.