Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has temporarily deferred the launch of a civil disobedience movement, a decision made at the request of party leaders, according to his sister, Aleema Khan. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, she confirmed the move, stating, “He [Imran] is deeply concerned about the country’s situation and has decided to wait for a few more days.”
The former prime minister had previously announced the potential civil disobedience movement through a post on X (formerly Twitter), warning the government that his demands must be met. These include a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, as well as the release of party members detained as “political prisoners.”
To facilitate dialogue, Imran Khan constituted a five-member negotiation committee comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser. The committee has been tasked with engaging the government to address the two central demands, Aleema revealed.
Confusion Over Negotiation Talks
Speculation about potential negotiations between the PTI and the government arose earlier this week, following reports of a meeting between PTI leader Asad Qaiser and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. However, Qaiser clarified that the visit to Sadiq’s residence was solely for offering condolences. “No discussions regarding negotiations were held,” he stated.
The government also denied initiating any dialogue with the PTI. Despite this, Aleema reiterated that Imran Khan’s negotiation committee remains prepared for discussions to resolve the impasse.
Legal Counsel’s Statement
Faisal Chaudhry, the PTI chairman’s legal counsel, confirmed that Imran Khan had also outlined seven specific points to justify the potential call for civil disobedience. He accused the government of sowing confusion to evade meaningful dialogue.
Chaudhry further noted that Imran Khan is open to meeting opposition leaders while in prison but suggested that the government might block such meetings.
Imran’s Warning
Aleema stressed that the civil disobedience movement would proceed if the demands are not met within the given timeframe. “Imran remains resolute in his stance, and if progress is not made, he will announce the launch of the movement,” she warned.
The developments come amidst heightened political tensions, with both sides yet to agree on a path forward. Whether dialogue through parliamentary channels will materialize remains uncertain, but the PTI leadership appears determined to keep the pressure on the government.
