Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has promised to surprise the government during its “do-or-die protest” in Islamabad on November 24.
Speaking on Geo News’ “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson and PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif stated, “We will surprise them [the federal government], InShaAllah.”
Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of PTI, has issued a “final call” for a nationwide protest against the alleged rigging of the February 8 elections, the arrest of party workers, and the passing of the 26th Amendment. He has called on supporters to march to Islamabad on Sunday, November 24.
Barrister Saif accused the Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz, of launching a crackdown on PTI supporters and leaders ahead of the planned protests. He claimed, “105 PTI leaders and supporters have been arrested by Punjab police.”
Regarding the crackdown in Punjab, Saif said that the party expects the government to use “unconstitutional and illegal tactics” to disrupt the protest. He further alleged that PTI supporters’ families are being harassed during house raids.
Ahead of the protest, the Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 for two months, citing security concerns.
When asked about how PTI would reach Islamabad despite Section 144 and roadblocks, Barrister Saif responded, “We have plans to counter these tactics. We will reach Islamabad and protest, even if the government resorts to force.” He assured that the party was mobilizing its supporters in an organized manner and would adopt any strategy necessary to make their presence felt.
Saif criticized the federal government for its discriminatory actions against PTI, urging the public to support his party. On the issue of PTI lawmakers bringing supporters to Islamabad, Saif referred to it as an “evaluation of performance” for party leaders. Reports indicate that Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, has instructed PTI MNAs and MPAs to bring at least 10,000 and 5,000 supporters, respectively, to Islamabad, and to share videos of the caravans with PTI leadership.
Reacting to PTI’s plan to bring thousands of supporters, PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry questioned the feasibility, claiming that there was no public transport available in Faisalabad to transport 20,000 people. He dismissed PTI’s protest call as a political move that wouldn’t succeed, pointing to the tasks set by Bushra Bibi as unrealistic.
On Geo News’ “Capital Talk,” senior PTI leader and lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa declared, “Imran Khan will be released from jail 100% in November,” and warned the government to expect another shock. He predicted that on November 24, the government would forget about the February 8 elections, where PTI claimed to have won 180 seats. Khosa also claimed that a “sea of people” would overwhelm the government.
“Don’t ever underestimate the power of the people anywhere, especially the people of Pakistan,” Khosa added.
When asked about Khan’s release, Khosa mentioned that the “drop scene” would unfold before November 24. He asserted that if the establishment remains neutral, the current government wouldn’t survive for even a day.
