In Focus 
PTI's Islamabad Protest: Updates 
On 26 November, a police check post at Chungi No 26, was allegedly set ablaze by the PTI workers as they clashed with police personnel to reach the main venue of the protest at D-Chowk. On 25 November, government representatives sought to negotiate with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) to relocate their protests to an alternate location in Sangjani. According to PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai, the convoy was moving slowly due to its large size and even the presence of barriers. He emphasized that the convoy led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was going to reach the D-Chowk “peacefully but at any cost.”  
Listed below are key developments that took place in light of the 24 November protests:  
 
A shift in venue 
PTI leaders consulted party founder Imran Khan at a specially arranged meeting where they notified him about the government’s proposal on 25 November evening. While the government still awaits an official response, the PTI leaders have been trying to convince Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi to change the protest venue as she led a convoy of protestors from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the federal capital. In a video statement, she said: “I will stay there till my last breath, and all of you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about the country and its leader.” In this regard, Interior- Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government would deal with the protestors through a heavy-handed approach. In his last press statement, he announced that the PTI had received permission from Khan to shift the venue. He also warned that the government would not hesitate to impose Article 245, which entails the deployment of armed forces to enforce security in the area. Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Information Advisor Barrister Saif, Barrister Khan, and PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan met the incarcerated Imran Khan to keep him informed of the party’s strategy 

Interparty negotiations 
A negotiation team consisting of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, and Ameer r Muqam met with a PTI delegation consisting of Barrister Khan, Asad Qaiser, and Shibli Faraz to negotiate the delay in protestors’ arrival after the Belarus president concluded his visit. However, PTI leader Raoof Hasan denied the ongoing negotiations with the government team and stated that the protestors had arrived at “the doorstep of Islamabad.” Following this development, The Express Tribune reported that PTI representatives made a second visit to Adiala Jail to discuss the party’s strategy with Khan, on account of the recent interaction with the government delegation.  

Internal and External denunciation 
In various statements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other government officials denounced the demise of a police constable at the Hakla interchange and held the PTI supporters responsible for it. The PM condemned the violence that took place in what the opposition claimed to be a peaceful protest. The PM condemned these entities for hindering Pakistan’s path to progress by “burning and laying siege throughout the country.” 
In his press statement, Naqvi emphasized that those who made the “final call” for protests will be held responsible and not be spared. He added that cases will be filed against them.  Separately, Interior Minister Attaullah Tarar called out the PTI for plunging the country into “chaos and anarchy” at a time when the economy was “taking off.” During a press briefing, US State Department Spokesman, Matthew Miller urged the Pakistan authorities to “respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms” of the citizens and even called upon the protestors to “refrain from” violent acts.  
 
Extension of Section 144 
In the backdrop, the Punjab Home Department issued a notification that extended the imposition of Section 144 across the province till 28 November. The notification claimed that the extension was imposed in light of the current “law and order” situation prevailing in the province.  

References 
Ikram Junaidi & Syed Irfan Raza “Govt awaits PTI response to alternative venue offer,” Dawn, 26 November 2024 
Umar Bacha, Imran Gabol & Arif Hayat, “PTI protesters cross Islamabad Toll Plaza; Naqvi vows to not spare those behind cop’s death” Dawn, 25 November 2024 
“PTI protest: Barrister Gohar meets Imran Khan at Adiala Jail,” The Express Tribune, 25 November 2024 
“PTI delegation holds second meeting with Imran Khan today following talks with govt,” The Express Tribune, 26 November 2024