PTI Says Civil Disobedience Movement Not Cancelled, Only Delayed

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Advocate Ali Bukhari stated that the party has not cancelled its civil disobedience movement, but only temporarily delayed it. He emphasized that PTI remains open to dialogue, but the government has not shown any serious intent to engage in talks. He further explained that the responsibility for initiating discussions lies with the government. Bukhari’s remarks came after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government ruled out talks with PTI, citing the looming threat of civil disobedience. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while speaking in the National Assembly, rejected the possibility of talks under duress, saying, “Talks cannot be held at gunpoint.” Imran Khan, PTI’s incarcerated founder, had previously warned the government about launching a civil disobedience movement unless his demands were met, which included a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 riots, the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, and the release of political prisoners. Imran had also formed a five-member negotiation committee to engage with the government. Bukhari reiterated PTI’s willingness for negotiations, adding, “We have always acted responsibly,” and emphasized that the civil disobedience movement was only postponed, not cancelled. He criticized the government’s lack of seriousness about resolving differences through dialogue, stressing that the government has the primary responsibility to initiate talks. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah distanced his party from PTI’s civil disobedience call but said they would support PTI in parliament on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, PML-N leader Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed PTI’s shift toward political engagement but criticized the party’s past actions, claiming PTI’s demonstrations were neither peaceful nor political but rather violent, involving armed groups. Mixed Signals on Dialogue PTI lawmakers expressed willingness for talks but made it clear they would not “beg” for negotiations. Sher Afzal Marwat, a PTI politician, emphasized the need for a clear set of terms of reference (ToRs) for any negotiations, suggesting that discussions should first involve political forces and later include the establishment. Ali Muhammad Khan, another PTI lawmaker, criticized the government for its heavy-handed approach during protests, asserting that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, not violence. He warned that PTI would not beg for talks and challenged the government’s attempt to exclude Imran Khan from the political process.