Imran Khan Directs PTI to Plan Anti-Government Protests After Eid, Pushes for Grand Opposition Alliance
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has instructed his party leadership to organize anti-government demonstrations following Eid and intensify efforts to build a grand opposition alliance.
Speaking on News Channel’ program Naya Pakistan, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry revealed that Imran Khan has tasked senior party leaders with uniting opposition parties to challenge the current government. He specifically directed Asad Qaiser to reach out to key political entities, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s Awaam Pakistan, Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Mahrang Baloch, among others.
PTI’s Grand Opposition Alliance Plan
According to Chaudhry, PTI’s strategy revolves around forming a powerful opposition coalition with a shared agenda of restoring democracy, upholding constitutional rights, and ending human rights violations. He stressed that achieving these goals would require an independent judiciary and free media.
He further explained that within this alliance-building process, Qaiser is leading PTI’s negotiations, while JUI-F’s team is being spearheaded by Kamran Murtaza, with another sub-committee under former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Meetings between opposition leaders have already taken place, with a consultative session held at Qaiser’s residence last week, followed by another gathering hosted by Achakzai. The discussions aim to establish common ground before launching the anti-government movement.
PTI’s Protest History & Future Strategy
Since being ousted from power, PTI has staged several demonstrations against the government. However, previous protests often resulted in violent confrontations with law enforcement agencies. The party’s May 9, 2023, protests following Imran Khan’s arrest led to attacks on government and military installations, prompting widespread arrests and military trials. Similarly, on November 26, 2024, PTI supporters clashed with security forces in Islamabad during another protest rally.
Despite this history, Khan remains committed to mobilizing mass protests and has devised a new strategy to challenge the ruling authorities post-Eid.
Internal Party Rifts & Marwat’s Expulsion
Responding to reports of internal discord within PTI, Chaudhry acknowledged tensions but emphasized that the party remains centered around its founder, Imran Khan. Addressing the recent expulsion of lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat, he explained that PTI operates with an accountability mechanism, allowing members to express their views but maintaining discipline within the ranks.
Marwat, after being expelled, claimed that unelected individuals were controlling party affairs and isolating Khan. He specifically accused PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja of orchestrating his removal. However, Chaudhry dismissed these claims, stating that PTI leaders like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur have remained steadfast despite facing criticism.
While tensions persist within PTI, the party is moving ahead with its opposition movement, with Khan’s directives shaping its next course of action.
