Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement if the government fails to initiate a judicial inquiry into the recent crackdown on his party’s supporters.
In a statement shared late Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), the 72-year-old leader expressed disappointment over the government’s handling of PTI protests at D-Chowk and announced the formation of a five-member negotiation team. This team, including Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser, is tasked with negotiating with the federal government on two primary demands:
- The immediate release of “political prisoners” facing trial.
- The constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and the late-night crackdown on PTI protesters on November 26.
“If these demands are not met, a nationwide civil disobedience movement will begin on December 14,” warned Imran Khan. He also stated that the government would bear full responsibility for the consequences of such a movement.
Crackdown and PTI’s Response
Imran Khan’s warning comes in response to the government’s stringent measures against PTI supporters during the Islamabad protests, which aimed to secure his release after over a year in detention. PTI claims that at least 12 workers were killed, and over 1,000 arrested in the crackdown, though the government denies using live ammunition and asserts that four law enforcement personnel, including Rangers and police officers, lost their lives during the protests.
Despite the setbacks, PTI continues to mobilize. The party announced a “grand gathering” in Peshawar on December 13 to honor those it claims were “martyred” during the Islamabad protests. Imran further alleged that hundreds of PTI supporters remain missing and called on the Supreme Court to intervene and uphold constitutional rights.
Judicial Calls and Human Rights Concerns
In his announcement, Imran criticized the judiciary for its inaction despite PTI’s repeated petitions to the Supreme Court and other high courts regarding alleged human rights violations. “We approached the Supreme Court, Lahore, and Islamabad high courts over serious violations of human rights, but no action was taken,” he lamented.
Labeling the negotiation team as his “trump card,” Imran reiterated his commitment to justice for PTI supporters, vowing to intensify his efforts if the government refuses to address his demands.
This escalating standoff between the government and PTI signals a tense political environment, with both sides preparing for what could be a defining moment in Pakistan’s political landscape.
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