Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has postponed his call for a civil disobedience movement, initially announced after the party’s protest in Islamabad. This decision comes after a request from PTI leaders, with the former prime minister choosing to delay the movement for a few days. His sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed this while speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, emphasizing that Imran Khan is concerned about the country’s situation and will wait for a few more days before proceeding.
Imran Khan had previously warned the government of launching the civil disobedience movement unless his demands were met. These demands include a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023, riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, as well as the release of PTI’s “political prisoners.”
The PTI leader also formed a five-member negotiation committee to engage with the government. However, reports of an agreement between PTI and the government to use the parliamentary forum for negotiations were dismissed by PTI leader Asad Qaiser, who clarified that no discussions had taken place.
Aleema Khan further explained that Imran Khan had specifically demanded the government fulfill two key points, and the negotiation committee was tasked with addressing these demands. She warned that if these demands were not met, the civil disobedience movement would be launched.
PTI’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, also confirmed the delay and stated that Imran had presented seven points to justify the civil disobedience call. He accused the government of spreading confusion to avoid negotiations and confirmed that opposition leaders willing to meet Imran would be welcomed, though the government may not permit such meetings in prison.
