The Ministry of Interior has issued a directive to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, instructing them not to use any state resources—such as machinery, personnel, or finances—for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s upcoming protest on November 24. The protest, led by PTI founder Imran Khan, has been dubbed a “do-or-die” demonstration aimed at pushing for political change, including protesting alleged election rigging, arrests of party members, and the passage of controversial amendments.
In a letter sent to the KP chief secretary, the Ministry emphasized that state machinery should not be utilized for any political purpose, including PTI’s protest. This warning follows reports that the KP government might use its Rescue 1122 vehicles and other public resources for the protest, which has raised concerns about the misuse of state apparatus for political purposes.
The federal government has already taken steps to prepare for the PTI’s planned march toward Islamabad. There are reports that authorities are preparing to block off the capital in anticipation of the protest, which PTI leaders have indicated could turn into a sit-in. Additionally, there have been protests in the past, such as one at D-Chowk, where Rescue 1122 personnel from KP were detained in Islamabad for their involvement, only to be released and warmly welcomed by KP’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The federal government has expressed its concerns over the use of state resources by the PTI-led KP administration, calling it an improper deployment of public servants and finances to further political goals. This controversy is further compounded by the filing of legal petitions in both the Islamabad and Peshawar high courts, seeking to declare the protest illegal due to concerns over law and order and the misuse of public funds for political aims.
In response to the growing political tensions, the federal government is also planning to implement security measures, including partial suspensions of mobile and internet services in key areas like Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, to prevent disruptions during the protest.
