Pakistan opposition party to defy govt ban, proceed with Nov 24 protest in Islamabad

In a strong response to the Pakistan government's attempts to block the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally, party Chairman Barrister Gohar firmly stated that PTI will move forward with its planned protest in Islamabad on November 24.

Despite the government's ban on public gatherings in the federal capital, Gohar emphasized that the call for the protest is "final".

"We will sit at the spot where we are stopped tomorrow (Sunday)," he declared, stressing that the protest will proceed as planned without delay.

Gohar confirmed that although Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had reached out, there had been no meaningful response from the government.

"We are not expecting any negotiations today. There may be a breakthrough in the next day or two, but for now, we are going ahead with the protest," he asserted.

Gohar also revealed that he would be in Islamabad and join the protest convoy once he arrives in the capital.

The party chairman's statement comes after Minister Naqvi reached out to him following the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order, which required the government to hold talks with PTI.

However, the order also imposed a ban on protests in the capital over the weekend, citing a violation of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, which mandates a written application for public gatherings at least seven days in advance.

Following the phone conversation, Gohar had previously stated that PTI's decision to proceed with the protest scheduled for Sunday would depend on internal party consultations.

No room for public rallies: Naqvi reiterates IHC orders

Earlier today, during a telephonic conversation with PTI Chairman, Naqvi stated that no public gatherings, processions, or rallies would be allowed in the capital, citing the IHC directives and the upcoming visit of a high-level Belarusian delegation.

Naqvi emphasized that the government is bound by the IHC’s orders. The minister also highlighted the significance of the visit by an 80-member Belarusian delegation, led by the President of Belarus.

The delegation is scheduled to be in Islamabad from November 24 to November 27, with the President arriving on November 25.

“The Belarusian delegation will have a packed schedule during their stay, and ensuring security and smooth arrangements is a top priority,” Naqvi explained to Gohar, linking the prohibition on gatherings to the heightened diplomatic activities..

Govt. extends Section 144

As PTI prepares to mobilize for the protest, the government has implemented extensive security measures to prevent disruptions.

Authorities in Islamabad have extended Section 144—a colonial-era law banning public gatherings of five or more people—for two months.

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The measure, which particularly affects the Red Zone housing key government and diplomatic sites, comes in response to PTI’s call for nationwide protests scheduled for November 24.

Threat alert issued

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department has issued a threat alert regarding a potential attack on the PTI protest in Islamabad.

Technical intelligence indicates that militants, identified as Khawarij elements, may target the gathering with a suicide bombing in an attempt to incite mass panic.

Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and implement precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.