In Focus
PTI's 24 November protest: Some responses
On 24 November, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf supporters marched to Islamabad to participate in the PTI founder’s ‘Final call’ for protests. The protests were held against the 26th Amendment, unjustified arrests, and what he believed was a "stolen mandate." Additionally, ahead of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenkov's visit, Islamabad was sealed off as a Red Zone and security measures were in place. On 23 November, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) issued an alert. Dawn reported that this alert was set to curb probable terror attacks during the PTI march to the capital. It had been speculated that terrorists from Afghanistan who entered Pakistan between 19 and 20 November were planning “major activities” in Pakistan’s major cities.

In the backdrop, internet services across Islamabad were down with major highways, motorways, and roads being closed while intercity bus operations were suspended. Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced that a “comprehensive security plan” was in place. A post on X depicted pictures where police were deployed to enforce Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings. Additionally, an Internet tracking monitor, Netblocks, stated how WhatsApp “backends” were restricted to prevent security risks.

Listed below are a set of responses from the judiciary, the PTI, and the government:

Responses from the judicial body
Before the protests, the Islamabad High Court deemed these protests illegal and instructed the federation to adopt all necessary security measures to ensure order within Islamabad and the smooth reception of the Belarusian convoy.
The president of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, Rauf Atta, raised concerns over the growing political tensions within the country, road blockade, and lockdowns. He stated that these restrictions curtailed the freedoms granted by Article 15 of the Constitution. He acknowledged the government’s intention to carry out its duty as per the judiciary’s instruction. However, he also stated the necessity of not restricting public movement. He also took a stance against the ongoing protests. He argued: “Article 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of assembly, but this cannot be misused to push political agendas at the expense of public peace and economic stability.” He also called upon the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to focus on the ongoing attacks in Kurram rather than stage marches in the capital.

PTI perspective
The PTI claimed that the police were detaining its supporters and using tear gas on them. On X, the party claimed that tear gas shells were being launched at the protestors. The PTI also shared a video on X, captioned: “The fascist regime has started, as expected, tear gas shelling against peaceful Pakistanis.” In other posts, PTI members called for the release of Imran Khan and maintained that they would not cease their demonstration until their demands were met. Even Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, actively urged supporters to focus on their objective and advance. She said: “We are here to bring Khan back. Let’s move without delay,”

Responses from the government
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that these protests were a conspiracy against the government as they coincided with the Belarus President’s visit. He added that the PTI staged demonstrations at times when foreign officials visit Pakistan, be it President Xi Jinping’s visit or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned all protestors of being arrested if they entered the capital. On 24 November, according to The Express Tribune, while addressing a press conference on 23 September, Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar declared that the government had a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal protests being carried out in the capital. He criticized the PTI for planning to carry out their protests “on the same day a friendly country seeks to enhance cooperation.” He inquired: “Can the system function effectively under such conditions?”

In a separate statement, Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar claimed that many of the PTI supporters were surrendering themselves to be arrested as they did not want to be a part of an “illegal and unnecessary” demonstration. He added that the PTI was not interested in the release of its leader, Imran Khan. While speaking at a press conference, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that Khan’s release was dependent on the judiciary as the government had no power in that regard. He further stated that if Khan was truly innocent then he must prove it before the court rather than launch smear campaigns on the government. 

References
Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt fully prepared to foil ‘onslaught’ on capital,” Dawn, 25 November 2024;
Umar Bacha, “PTI convoys yet to reach Islamabad for much hyped ‘final call’ protest,” 24 November 2024;
“Teargas shelling, clashes with police as PTI convoys led by Gandapur, Omar Ayub enter Punjab,” The Express Tribune, 24 November 2024;
Malik Asad, “No negotiations under way with PTI at any level, says Tarar,” Dawn, 24 November 2024