Government Holds Firm Against PTI Demands Ahead of the November 24 Protest
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 20, 2024
- 12:28 pm
- 23
- Current Affairs
The political standoff between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is heating up as the November 24 protest approaches. Both sides are sticking to their positions, with no signs of compromise. This clash has left the nation waiting to see what will happen next.
PTI’s Demands in Focus
PTI, led by Imran Khan, has outlined three main demands: repealing the 26th Amendment, releasing political prisoners, and restoring what it calls its “stolen mandate.” These demands come with an ultimatum: meet them or face a nationwide protest. The government, however, has dismissed these as “imaginary” and “unrealistic.”
According to Senator Irfan Siddiqui, these demands are “non-starters.” He added, “We cannot negotiate over vague requests like revoking amendments, returning mandates, dropping cases, or releasing all prisoners.”
The Government’s Firm Stance
The government has made it clear it won’t entertain demands that lack legal or practical backing. Senator Siddiqui explained, “If there are reasonable demands, we are open to dialogue. But we cannot negotiate over illogical ones.”
He criticized PTI’s protest strategy, saying, “PTI has backed itself into a corner with its call for a protest on November 24. Now, they are scrambling for excuses to backtrack.”
Imran Khan’s Ultimatum
Imran Khan, from jail, has warned PTI lawmakers and ticket holders to either join the November 24 protest or leave the party. “Lawmakers who got elected due to their party affiliation but don’t stand with its ideology have no place in the party,” he stated.
Khan praised loyal leaders who remain committed to PTI despite arrests and pressure. However, he hinted that some might break under strain, saying, “These leaders would be released forthwith if they hold a press conference.”
Legal Battles and Accusations
The political fight isn’t just on the streets—it’s in the courts too. Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, are entangled in the £190 million corruption case. They’ve requested testimonies from witnesses, claiming key figures were deliberately left out by the prosecution.
Meanwhile, the government points to Khan’s ongoing legal troubles as evidence of accountability. Siddiqui commented, “Khan’s legal issues stem from solid cases, like the Toshakhana scandal and the Al-Qadir Trust land deal.”
The Establishment’s Role
The role of Pakistan’s powerful establishment has also come under scrutiny. Senator Siddiqui referred to former army chief General (retd) Bajwa’s admission of rigging the 2018 elections. “General Bajwa told Maulana Fazlur Rehman, ‘Yes, we made sure Imran Khan won, but we overdid it,’” Siddiqui revealed.
What’s Next?
The November 24 protest is shaping up to be a critical moment for PTI. For the party, it’s about proving its relevance and uniting its ranks. For the government, it’s about maintaining order and showing strength.
“If PTI withdraws the call, it will be for the best. Otherwise, the government will fulfill its constitutional duty to protect public life and property,” Siddiqui warned.
With high stakes on both sides, all eyes are on the streets and courtrooms as Pakistan braces for November 24.
