Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed not to return from Islamabad until the demands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are fulfilled, responding to Imran Khan’s final call for a nationwide protest.
In a press conference in Peshawar, Gandapur confirmed that preparations for the protest were complete, following the announcement by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who revealed the protest date. Gandapur emphasized, “This time, there will be no turning back.”
Earlier, PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains in custody, instructed his supporters to join the protest in Islamabad on November 24. PTI’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, confirmed that the protest would not be limited to Islamabad but would spread across Pakistan and internationally, wherever PTI supporters are present.
Chaudhry added that Imran Khan has formed a committee to organize the march, and this committee will have the authority to call off the protest if necessary. He outlined PTI’s demands, which include the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the return of PTI’s mandate, and the release of party workers detained without trial.
Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, further urged Pakistanis to decide whether they want to live under martial law or enjoy freedom, urging mass participation in the protest.
The announcement follows months of nationwide protests by PTI since Imran Khan’s arrest in August 2023. The protests have primarily focused on his release and claims of electoral rigging ahead of the 2024 elections.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has criticized Imran Khan’s “do-or-die” protest call, warning it could provoke a crackdown on PTI supporters. Sanaullah suggested that PTI should opt for a peaceful rally instead of escalating tensions with a sit-in, which could invite a response from law enforcement.
Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, is facing multiple legal cases, including the Toshakhana case and a £190 million corruption reference.
