Imran Khan Urges PTI Leaders to Join Nov 24 Protest or Exit
Bushra Bibi Stresses Protest Participation Will Impact Election Candidacies.
Imran Khan has issued a stark ultimatum to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and ticket holders: participate in the party’s November 24 protest or sever ties with the party.
In a recent statement, the PTI chairman emphasized that those unable to take part in the “power show” should “disassociate themselves” from the party, describing the protest as a pivotal moment in PTI’s struggle for freedom and justice.
This call comes after Imran’s announcement on November 13, urging nationwide protests against what he called a “stolen mandate,” wrongful arrests, and the passage of the 26th Amendment, which he believes solidified a “dictatorial regime.”
Sharing his views on social media, Imran framed the November 24 protest as a historic opportunity for Pakistan to secure genuine freedom, warning that “enslaved nations eventually perish.”
He extended his initial call to PTI members, now inviting the broader population to participate with the same zeal as in the controversial February 8 elections.
Imran also voiced concerns over the erosion of democracy in Pakistan, citing issues such as violations of the rule of law, lack of free elections, and restrictions on media freedom.
He pointed out the suspension of his broadcasts, media censorship, and the widespread internet disruptions, which have reportedly cost Pakistan Rs550 billion this year.
The former prime minister condemned the enforced disappearances, torture, and violence against PTI workers, asserting that these actions were tarnishing the reputation of Pakistan’s security institutions.
Bushra Bibi Stresses Protest Participation Will Impact Election Candidacies.
The call for protest comes amid a charged political climate, with PTI taking a firm stance of non-negotiation with the current government.
The party has made it clear that the protest will not be called off unless their demands—restoring what they perceive as a “stolen mandate,” reinstating the Constitution, and securing Imran’s release—are met.
In a further development, Bushra Bibi, Imran’s wife, weighed in on the significance of the November 24 protest.
he warned PTI leaders that their involvement and dedication to the protest would determine whether they would receive PTI tickets in the upcoming general elections.
She confirmed that Imran Khan had tied election candidacies to the leaders’ commitment to the protest.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram reaffirmed that there had been no communication between the party and the government, insisting that the protest would proceed as planned, undeterred by any efforts to stop it.