ISLAMABAD: The government denied any negotiations with former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Saturday, which plans to protest in Islamabad tomorrow, with the country’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, warning of arrests if anyone came out to join the demonstration.
The PTI has called for a “long march” to the capital to demand Khan’s release, as he has been in prison for well over a year, and to challenge alleged rigging in the February general elections. The party also seeks to highlight its concerns about judicial independence, which it claims has been undermined by the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a charge denied by the government.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the government to engage in talks with PTI leadership regarding the protest, emphasizing the need to avoid disruptions during the three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko starting Monday. The court hoped the PTI would have “meaningful communication” with the government, acknowledging that law and order would be the administration’s priority if there was no breakthrough.
Subsequently, Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, met with PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to inform him that the government could not allow the protest under the current circumstances.
“There is no communication on any level,” Tarar said, adding that Naqvi’s contact with the PTI leader was limited to informing him of the IHC order that “declared protests, rallies, sit-ins and marches illegal.”
“The court’s directive is clear, and anyone who attempts to protest will be arrested and face legal consequences,” he continued. “There is no confusion on our part.”
Authorities have taken extensive measures to preempt potential disruptions, sealing off motorways and key roads leading to Islamabad with shipping containers.
However, Chief Minister of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister, reiterated the call to all Pakistanis to join the protest during the day.
“It is imperative for us to leave our homes to protest the illegal incarceration of Imran Khan and stage a demonstration at D-Chowk on Nov. 24,” he proclaimed in a video message, referring to a high-security area located right next to sensitive government installations like Parliament, Presidency and the PM House.
“We all have to reach there and not leave until our demands are met,” he continued, saying the PTI wanted Khan’s release along with the return of its mandate in the last general elections, which the party said was rigged to keep it out of power.
He pointed out the PTI wanted an end to “fascism inflicted on us” and protection of the constitution in the country.
“Since the protest call is from Imran Khan, we will not go back until our demands are met,” he added.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) stated on Friday that it had shut down major highways based on intelligence reports indicating that protesters might carry sticks and slingshots and attempt to disrupt public order.
“To protect lives and ensure public safety, major arteries have been sealed,” an NHMP statement said, adding that violators would face strict action.
Additionally, a ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Punjab until November 25, while the Metro Bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain suspended on November 24.
Pakistan’s parliament earlier this year passed legislation regulating public demonstrations in the capital, including designated protest areas and specific timings for rallies. Violators risk imprisonment of up to three years for illegal gatherings and up to 10 years for repeat offenses.
The interior ministry has also deployed paramilitary forces, including Punjab Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel, in Islamabad to maintain order during the PTI’s planned demonstration.
Tarar also stated during his remarks that the government would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.