ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan has delivered a clear message to his party, urging full support for the November 24 protest to ensure its success.
PTI’s Secretary of Information, Shaikh Waqas Akram, addressed concerns within the party leadership regarding the protest date. He stated that the latest messages from PTI’s founder and jailed chairman, Imran Khan, are straightforward and leave no room for confusion.
Shaikh explained that PTI leaders are unable to meet Imran Khan directly, but they are receiving his messages through his lawyers and family members. According to him, these messages are unambiguous and indicate that neither Imran Khan nor the protest date has been compromised. When questioned about whether Imran Khan’s stance had softened after Bushra Bibi’s release, Shaikh firmly denied this, asserting that Khan remains as resolute as ever and continues to express his views openly.
Shaikh further commented on the reservations expressed by some senior leaders regarding the protest. He stated that, after receiving Khan’s clear message to avoid any signs of weakness, these reservations no longer hold weight. Those within the party who were opposed to the November 24th protest are unable to meet with their jailed leader.
Several key party members have reportedly sought ways to open a dialogue with the military establishment to secure some relief for PTI and Imran Khan, and possibly prevent the protest. While PTI leaders often mention Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur as the party’s liaison with the establishment, sources indicate that the level of engagement desired by PTI remains distant. Some leaders, speaking privately to The News, mentioned efforts to establish meaningful contact between the PTI leadership and the military establishment. However, Shaikh Waqas confirmed that no party member has been authorized to initiate such contact.
Imran Khan is determined to see the November 24 protest succeed, but many PTI leaders and workers are fatigued from ongoing protests, arrests, and FIR registrations. Some view the protest as a pressure tactic to force the establishment into dialogue with PTI.
A senior defense source recently told The News that the Pakistan Army is not open to engaging in dialogue with any political party, including PTI. The source emphasized that political parties should handle their own discussions and negotiations. “It is up to the political parties to resolve such matters,” the source said, referring to a statement made by the ISPR DG, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, during a May press conference.
