Imran Khan, the former prime minister, instructed party leaders and ticket buyers on Tuesday to “disassociate themselves from the party” if they were unable to attend the PTI’s power show scheduled for November 24.
Imran condemned what he called the stolen mandate, the arbitrary arrests, and the ratification of the 26th amendment, which he claimed had reinforced a “dictatorial regime,” in a November 13 “final call” for nationwide rallies on Sunday, November 24.
His party has been protesting for Imran’s release and against the purported election tampering since his incarceration on many charges in August 2023.
In a statement uploaded to his X account today, Imran restated his demand for the demonstration.
“On November 24th, everyone must participate in the demonstration. Since this is the pivotal moment when the entire country would come out for freedom, every PTI leader or ticket holder who is unable to guarantee their presence in the demonstration should remove themselves from the party.
According to the statement, “the country will not accept any excuse at such a critical time.”
Imran stated that “enslaved nations eventually die away” and referred to the demonstration as a “golden opportunity to secure genuine freedom for Pakistan.”
In reference to the allegedly rigged February 8 elections, the former premier admitted that he had previously only called on PTI members to demonstrate, but he added that he was now extending the call to the entire country because “the final nail has now been hammered into the coffin of democracy in our country.”
“Come out on November 24 with the same fervor that you showed on February 8 when you came out to demonstrate the power of your vote in spite of all the obstacles.”
He bemoaned the fact that Pakistan’s “foundational pillars of democracy,” which include freedom of expression, fair and open elections, and the rule of law, were “suspended.”
He said that the country has lost Rs550 billion this year as a result of frequent internet outages and that “there is a complete ban on broadcasting my statements and the media is having to operate under severe restrictions.”
Imran further denounced the “violence, brutality, and enforced disappearances” committed against PTI employees.
He claimed that these kinds of instances were “damaging our national security institutions.”
“I have always been ready for negotiations for the sake of our country,” the PTI founder stated in response to the question of negotiations.
He asserted, however, that the PTI was not responsible for the negotiations that were taking place.
Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, issued a warning to party officials on Sunday that their behavior at the protest on November 24 would determine their ticketing in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
She sent Imran’s message to the party leadership, telling Dawn that “the party tickets for the next general elections are linked with the performance of PTI leadership during the upcoming protest in Islamabad.”
The PTI had declared on Monday that it would not end the sit-in until Imran was released, the Constitution was restored, and its “stolen” mandate was returned.
Islamabad’s Section 144 was extended for two months.
As the capital administration extended a two-month ban on 10 activities under Section 144, the capital police have requested significant anti-riot equipment from the government, including thousands of tear gas and rubber bullets, to deal with the PTI’s protest.
According to capital police officers, 1,200 containers and 22,000 security guards were also sought to put an end to the demonstration.
Additionally, during their deployment in the city, the local and visiting security forces would need transportation and three meals, which would cost millions of rupees.
In addition to 2,000 tear gas weapons, the police have demanded 40,000 tear gas long and short-range shells and 50,000 rubber bullets.
Additionally, 5,000 anti-riot kits were requested in order to bolster the anti-riot squad with additional personnel.
The Punjab and Sindh police, as well as the Frontier Constabulary and Rangers, were asked to provide a total of 22,000 personnel.
The officials noted that because the PTI planned the protest and the sit-in for an indefinite period of time, preparations are being taken to maintain peace and order in the city and safeguard both public and private property.
According to insiders, a few security strategies are being discussed and sent to the relevant departments for approval.
It is being considered to seal the extended high-security area that includes Khayaban-i-Soharwardi, Margalla Road, Third Avenue, and Faisal Avenue.
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