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PTI stays firm on Nov 24 protest despite govt threats
• Sheikh Waqqas asserts ‘power show’ will proceed until goals are achieved
• Azma says Bushra ‘no longer apolitical’ after audio leak
PESHAWAR/LAHORE: PTI’s central information secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram said on Tuesday that despite offers for talks with the ‘powers that be’, the party’s planned power show in Islamabad on Nov 24 will proceed until their goals are achieved.
Speaking at a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club, he said the PTI would continue its preparations for the protest even if negotiations about their demands were initiated. “Khan sahib has issued clear instructions to continue preparations for the protest until our goals are achieved,” he added.
Mr Akram also criticised the federal government for disseminating threats to students and the general public through various communication channels, warning that such tactics would not deter PTI supporters from participating in the protest.
He claimed that students were being threatened with the cancellation of their admissions in educational institutions, while the national identity cards and passports of ordinary citizens were at risk of being blocked if they attended the PTI protest.
He said Imran Khan had instructed PTI leaders to fulfil specific conditions regarding the number of people they must bring to the protest, adding that MPAs were required to bring 5,000 people, and MNAs 10,000 people, or else they would lose their place in the party.
“There are no differences within the party; we are all united on this protest. It is a final call given by our beloved leader Imran Khan,” he added.
In reply to a question about Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, joining politics, Mr Ahmad clarified that she had no political aspirations. “Bushra Bibi has made it clear that she has nothing to do with politics. She just conveyed Khan sahib’s message to the party workers two days ago,” he said.
‘Bushra Bibi no longer apolitical’
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari asserted that Bushra Bibi could no longer be considered apolitical, in the wake of an alleged leaked audio in which she can purportedly be heard addressing PTI lawmakers in Peshawar.
Ms Bokhari criticised Imran Khan for his past condemnation of dynastic politics, accusing him of now being embroiled in a similar controversy.
“This is poetic justice. Imran Khan, who once targeted women from other political parties like Maryam Nawaz, is now in a similar situation. Isn’t this ‘non-political’ woman actively issuing political directives to party leaders about the Nov 24 protest? What would you call this, if not politics?” Ms Bokhari asked during a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday.
She alleged that Bushra Bibi had previously managed the Prime Minister’s Office “through remote control” and was now reportedly issuing strict orders to PTI’s MNAs and MPAs to mobilise maximum support for the Islamabad protest.
The leaked audio reportedly captured Bushra Bibi conveying Imran Khan’s message to PTI lawmakers in Peshawar, urging them to bring large crowds to the November 24 sit-in.
She purportedly instructed party members to document participation by recording videos and advised them to make alternative communication arrangements in case of an internet shutdown. Declaring the protest a “do-or-die” moment to secure Imran Khan’s release from jail, she warned lawmakers against arrest and hinted that those failing to participate fully would be denied future party tickets, regardless of their tenure with the PTI.
Mocking the leaked audio, Ms Bokhari said: “A household woman is now playing the religion card. It’s clear who was behind terms like ‘Mir Jafar’ and ‘Mir Sadiq,’ used by Imran Khan against the previous military establishment.”
Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024
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