Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15, the inaugural day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Pakistan’s various government coalition political parties criticized PTI for planning a protest on the inaugural day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), with government officials promising to thwart what they termed a “conspiracy.”
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the government would not let any group hold the country hostage during such a critical international gathering. “They organized a sit-in in 2014, followed by the May 9 incident. All these actions aim to destabilize the country,” he said, accusing PTI of serving as a pawn in international conspiracies.
Criticizing PTI for disparaging the government, Asif remarked, “Leadership is not an inheritance; it’s something that can slip away. Once the PTI founder lost power, he incited people to the violent incidents on May 9.”
Sherry Rehman, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, stated that PTI’s protest plan on October 15 sends a message that the party prioritizes itself over Pakistan’s international reputation and security, especially during such a significant event.
“It appears they have not learned any lessons,” Rehman commented. PTI first tangled the nation in a cyphergate issue and undermined economic efforts by interfering with communications with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Amid PTI’s preparations for a peaceful protest at D-Chowk on October 15, PTI announced the cancellation of protests planned in various districts of Punjab.
The PTI political committee claims that Imran Khan, currently detained, is experiencing brutality in jail, and his basic human rights are under violation. They have warned of a nationwide protest on October 15 unless authorities restore Imran Khan’s rights and ensure unrestricted access to his legal team, family, and medical care.
The committee also demanded the government’s immediate release of detained workers and the cessation of raids and roundups.