On Monday, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), reported that Imran Khan, the jailed party founder, regrets the recent “final call” protest casualties in Islamabad. He directed PTI legislators to address these issues in both parliamentary houses.
Gohar spoke after visiting Imran Khan at Adialia Jail. He disclosed that Khan had requested a session of the National Assembly and Senate to discuss and protest the protesters’ deaths.
The former ruling party initiated a significant protest in Islamabad on November 24 to secure Khan’s release. Authorities abruptly halted this protest on November 27, arresting about 1,000 supporters.
This meeting marked the first between PTI leaders and Khan’s post-protest. They briefed him about the event, including the deaths of 12 PTI workers and several law enforcement officers.
The current government has denied any shootings at PTI protesters or resulting fatalities.
Gohar mentioned Khan’s unawareness of the protest details due to the lack of newspapers or TV in jail. He announced that Khan would soon unveil the party’s next strategy. He stressed, “We should not fire bullets, regardless of location. We condemn any gunfire during the protest.”
He also urged party leaders and workers to unite as opponents try to divide them.
Despite confusion about the “do-or-die” demonstration’s exact location, Gohar emphasized the need for protests at “impactful places.” He clarified that the party did not aim to reach D-Chowk.
Many PTI leaders criticized the decision to target D-Chowk instead of a sit-in at Sangjani. The PTI chief critiqued the ongoing debates over these locations, claiming they distract from addressing the deaths during the protest.
During the three-day protests, clashes between law enforcers and protesters resulted in the deaths of four security personnel.
The party reported that 12 workers and supporters also died. Answering questions, Gohar confirmed that PTI is not under any ban and will continue its political activities. He remained unsure about potential negotiations with the establishment.
He also confirmed that Khan is in good health at Adiala Jail, dismissing any concerns about his ailment.
