Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalized its plans for a large-scale protest set for November 24, with intentions to “storm” Islamabad from all directions, as reported by Express News.
Sources reveal that the PTI leadership is resolute in its objective to reach Islamabad, assigning significant responsibilities to party leaders in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions. The protest will begin with mass demonstrations organized by regional leadership in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with additional provincial convoys set to join in as they converge on the capital.
Each provincial convoy will follow designated routes, ultimately converging in Islamabad. Although the exact location for the sit-in remains undecided, D-Chowk is a strong possibility. The PTI leadership has emphasized that the protest will continue indefinitely, with the party’s core committee members exploring various contingencies for sustaining the movement.
In an effort to mobilize support, PTI’s leadership has directed its members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Provincial Assembly (MPAs) to assist in covering travel expenses for their constituents, ensuring that party workers from across Pakistan can join the protest in Islamabad.
Sources indicate that PTI’s strategy for the upcoming protest is more detailed and organized than previous efforts. Should any party leaders or officials be arrested, a backup plan will be implemented to ensure leadership continuity, with alternative leaders stepping in.
Meanwhile, ahead of the planned protest, law enforcement agencies have ramped up their crackdown on PTI leaders and activists. Multiple raids took place late Friday night in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore, leading to several arrests. CCTV footage from the raids showed police targeting the residences of prominent PTI members. Notably, Secretary General of NA-48 Raja Ghazanfar was reportedly arrested, and a raid was conducted at the residence of central PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen.
In Lahore, heavy police contingents stormed the house of Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed. His son, Dr. Hassan, criticized the ongoing harassment, revealing that despite his father being incarcerated for the past 18 months, police continue to target their residence.
Despite the crackdown, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Advisor on Information, Barrister Saif, reaffirmed that the November 24 protest will proceed as planned. “This is the time for resistance,” he asserted, dismissing rumors of a deal with the establishment. He confirmed that preparations were fully underway under the supervision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who has been actively involved in the consultations for the protest.
Barrister Saif also defended former first lady Bushra Bibi, calling her a “respectable citizen of Pakistan” and rejecting claims of her involvement in practical politics. He also rejected allegations that provincial resources were being used to support the protests, explaining that the use of Rescue 1122 vehicles during the previous rally was due to the chief minister’s participation.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi criticized the provincial government’s focus on protests rather than governance, asserting that protests alone would not secure the release of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.
As the situation intensifies, all eyes remain on PTI’s November 24 protest, with both sides preparing for what is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape.
