ISLAMABAD: Information Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sheikh Waqas Akram has strongly dismissed reports that the party is postponing its planned protest scheduled for November 24.
Speaking to a private TV channel on Sunday, Akram emphasized that there is no change in their plans, and the protest will proceed as a necessary response to the political crisis.
“The news of postponing the protest is incorrect. If negotiations had taken place, and our people, including Imran Khan, had been released, we could have discussed postponement.
However, until concrete steps are taken, the protest on November 24 will not be postponed,” stated Akram. His remarks come amid speculation and mounting pressure to resolve the situation through dialogue.
The protest, seen as a focal point for the opposition, aims to address grievances against the government’s handling of political figures and activists. In parallel, sources close to PTI suggest that while the main protest is set for Islamabad’s D-Chowk, regional protests will also take place. PTI members from the Lahore Assembly and party ticket holders are expected to lead separate demonstrations in Lahore, with Batti Chowk mentioned as a potential site.
The protests in Lahore will be under the leadership of General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, with notable figures such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expected to participate. There has been speculation about the involvement of Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, in the protest.
PTI spokesperson Mashal Yousafzai confirmed that she would not be attending due to health reasons, although there were previous advisories from Imran Khan suggesting she refrain from political activities.
Despite this, PTI Member of National Assembly Shandana Gulzar noted that Bushra Bibi’s conveying of Imran Khan’s messages has been significant, and her presence at the protest would have been welcomed. Nevertheless, she maintains her stance as a “non-political” figure. Adding to the family’s involvement, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, clarified that she, along with other family members, would participate in the protest in Islamabad, stating, “We will be in Islamabad to fight for our brother’s freedom, but we will also keep the path to negotiations open.”
In a more assertive tone, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur declared that the protest is crucial not just for Imran Khan’s release but for the future of Pakistan.
“We will go to any extent to secure our demands,” said Gandapur. “We will reach D-Chowk on November 24, and we will not return until our demands are met.”
