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PTI eaders and supportes accused that the raid was part of a government crackdown ahead of the November 24 protest.
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker, who was injured after falling from a roof during a police raid in Narowal, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, it emerged on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Yasir Malhi. The PTI district president confirmed his death in a video statement.
Following the tragic incident, family members staged a protest outside the Baddomalhi police station, demanding justice.
Yasir’s young son alleged that his father had climbed onto the roof of their house during the raid, where police personnel struck him on the head with a brick.
However, a spokesperson for the District Police Officer (DPO) refuted the claims, stating that the police had no involvement in Yasir’s death.
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by journalist Muhammad Umair sparked outrage among PTI leaders and supporters.
Many have accused that the raid was part of a government crackdown ahead of the November 24 protest.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called on his party workers and supporters to march to Islamabad on November 24 against the arrest of party leaders and the 26th constitutional amendment, said the party’s top brass.
He outlined three primary demands, including the rollback of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of the Constitution to its original form, and the return of the party's “stolen mandate.” He also demanded the release of all political prisoners held without trial.
Rangers and FC have been given special powers.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has initiated preparations to prevent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding its planned protest on November 24.
Sources indicate that PTI has not yet submitted an official request for the protest or sit-in, a requirement that must be fulfilled at least seven days in advance.
In response, police personnel's leaves have been canceled, and those on leave have been recalled. Additionally, the Islamabad administration has requested 8,000 police officers from Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and Sindh.
These reinforcements are expected to report to Islamabad by the night of November 21. Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel are already deployed in the federal capital.
Preparations to block protest activities include placing containers around Islamabad, a process set to begin tonight.
Police have been equipped with tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear to manage any unrest.
The protest call was issued by PTI founder Imran Khan, who has urged supporters to take to the streets. Reports also suggest his wife, Bushra Bibi, is actively mobilizing support in Peshawar for the event.
Interior Ministry has approved special powers for Punjab Rangers and FC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Inaf protest call in Islamabad, the Interior Ministry has awarded special powers to Rangers and Frontier Constabulary for maintaining law and order situation in twin cities.
Interior Ministry has approved special powers for Punjab Rangers and FC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Interior Ministry approved the summary of Chief Commissioner Islamabad and issued a written order in this regard. Rangers and FC will assist the police in maintaining law and order in the federal Capital.
Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decided to establish monitoring units to oversee the November 24 march to Islamabad, as the authorities in the federal capital have formulated a strategy to forestall the demonstrators.
According to the sources, a 10-member unit will monitor the caravans, which will enter the federal capital from different cities of Punjab.
It added that the monitoring cell would provide information about workers to the leadership. The units will share all details, including the number of people in a caravan and the vehicles which will be used in the march.
This information will be collected by filming the caravans.
The party has assigned the responsibility to the elected MNAs and MPAs to collect funds from their constituencies.
PTI is gearing up for protest on November 24.
Lahore police conducted raids and arrested a number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers in a crackdown ahead of November 24 protest.
According to police sources, raids were conducted in Shahdara, Millat Park, Green Town, Johar Town, Defence and Civil Lines areas.
Police sources that raids were conducted on homes and offices of active workers and many workers were detained during the raids.
The arrests are being made on concerns of breach of peace on the call of November 24th protest, police sources said.
Closed circuit footages of police operations in different areas also came to light.
Police sources further said that the activists were identified according to the lists even by setting up pickets on roads.
During raids, surety bonds were taken from the arrested workers and affidavits were also taken from PTI workers for not to disturb law and order, police sources said.
The PTI founder gave a deadline of tomorrow (November 21) for talks.
Imran Khan's lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, stated that the PTI's planned protest on November 24 could be canceled if the party's demands are addressed through negotiations.
After meeting with Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Chaudhry explained that if talks progress by tomorrow, the protest would be called off, and celebrations would replace the demonstration.
He noted that this protest call is the second one since the May 9 unrest, during which state installations were attacked.
Chaudhry emphasised that the cancellation of the protest hinges on the acceptance of PTI's demands, which will form the basis for any discussions.
He also dismissed reports claiming the party was spending Rs1 billion on the protests as false. Khan, he said, pointed out that protests are now the only remaining option and stressed the importance of political parties in uniting the nation.
Khan expressed frustration over restrictions on rallies and gatherings, reaffirming his commitment to peaceful protests.
He added that negotiations would only continue with those in real power, and both sides must make an effort for progress.
The PTI founder gave a deadline of tomorrow (November 21) for talks, indicating that the outcome of the negotiations would determine whether the planned protest proceeds or not.
A report of the leaders who fail to draw a large crowd with them will be presented to the leadership.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to establish monitoring units to oversee the November 24 march to Islamabad, as the authorities in the federal capital have formulated the strategy to forestall the demonstrators.
According to the sources, a 10-member unit will monitor the caravans, which will enter the federal capital from different cities of Punjab.
It added that the monitoring cell would provide information about workers to the leadership. The units will share all details, including the number of people in a caravan and the vehicles which will be used in the march.
This information will be collected by filming the caravans.
The party has assigned the responsibility to the elected MNAs and MPAs to collect funds from their constituencies.
The party had also made a website for fundraising from overseas Pakistanis.
Moreover, the members and ticket holders are responsible for the transportation and accommodation of workers from every constituency in Punjab, while in case of unavailability of transport, motorcycles will be arranged as per the plan.
It was also said that the report of the leaders who fail to draw a large crowd with them will be presented to the leadership.
Earlier, the former first lady directed the MNAs and MPAs to bring at least 10,000 and 5,000 workers, respectively, for the march to Islamabad from their constituencies,” sources revealed.
Meanwhile, the police in Lahore launched a crackdown following PTI's call to protest in Islamabad on November 24.
According to police sources, raids were conducted in the areas of Shahdara, Millat Park, Green Town, and Civil Lines, during which several workers have been detained. These arrests are being made over security concerns on November 24.
Active workers have been arrested with the help of closed-circuit footage in police operations conducted in various areas.
According to police, PTI workers will be released after obtaining surety bonds, while affidavits were taken from them to ensure peace and order.
The government also spent Rs320 million on food for the deployed officers.
Since July, the frequent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad have resulted in a financial burden of over Rs1.1 billion on the government, along with damages to public and private property totaling Rs152 million, according to the federal police.
These protests, which included strikes, rallies, and public gatherings, kept the capital police and other law enforcement agencies on high alert, with extensive resources used to maintain order.
Over 1,600 containers were rented at a cost of Rs247 million to block roads, while transportation and fuel costs for police and paramilitary personnel amounted to Rs870 million.
The government also spent Rs320 million on food for the deployed officers.
The protests caused huge damage, including the destruction of 221 surveillance cameras, worth Rs151 million. Armed personnel carriers, prison vans, and pickup trucks were also damaged.
In total, more than 40 police and Rangers personnel were injured, and a policeman was killed in the protests.
Tthe disruptions also affected residents of Islamabad, particularly laborers, daily wage workers, and students, as road blockages prevented access to workplaces, schools, and hospitals.
The capital police have requested considerable reinforcements from Punjab and Sindh police forces, including thousands of additional personnel, containers, and anti-riot equipment in anticipation of PTI's November 24 protest.
Police personnel have been called from other provinces as well.
Islamabad has tightened its measures against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as the party prepares to march toward the federal capital following the final call from founder Imran Khan, who is currently incracerated in Adiala Jail.
The party remains firm in its demands, which include the release of Imran Khan, the reversal of constitutional amendments, and an inquiry into alleged election rigging, which PTI describes as “the theft of the party’s mandate.”
However, there are speculations of settlement or postponing protest after talks between the ruling coalition and PTI, but both sides are preparing themselves to follow the strategy against each other.
According to the sources, it seems that Islamabad will be sealed for the demonstrators as the containers will be transported to the federal capital by the end of the day while tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and anti-riots kits have been handed over to police.
Anyone who wants to hold any gather is required to get approval from authorities at least before seven days but PTI has not submitted any application related to protest so far, sources quoted Islamabad administration.
In the wake of the PTI protest, the leaves of police personnel have been cancelled, and those on leave have been recalled, while the Islamabad administration has requested 8,000 police personnel from Sindh, Punjab and Kashmir.
“Police personnel have been called from other provinces, would report in Islamabad on November 21,” said sources, adding, “Rangers and FC have already been deployed in Islamabad.”
It should be noted that PTI founder Imran Khan has given a final call for protests on November 24. In addition, Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, is also active in Peshawar regarding preparations for the protest.
The provincial minister also disclosed that the rally led by Ali Amin Gandapur to Islamabad had cost Rs81 crore.
Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, strongly criticised PTI's Islamabad march, referring to it as an act of terrorism, stating, “the government will respond to this march on November 24 in the same manner we deal with terrorists.”
Speaking about her case, Bukhari revealed that the accused had confessed during the investigation to posting a controversial video from three separate accounts.
“These individuals belong to PTI’s propaganda cell,” she alleged.
The provincial minister also disclosed that the rally led by Ali Amin Gandapur to Islamabad had cost Rs81 crore, claiming that MPAs and MNAs were being given Rs 4.4 lakh each to create chaos.
Earlier, during a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday, Bokhari addressed the financial and security challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
She highlighted recent incidents in Bannu, where four people were killed and seven officials were arrested along with weapons.
She accused Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur of misusing government resources to raise slogans of jihad and declare war.
“The resources that should benefit the people are instead being spent on Bushra Bibi,” she asserted.
Asthma Bokhari further criticised Bushra Bibi, alleging that she was instructing MPAs and MNAs to bring large crowds to the march.
“Each MPA has been tasked with bringing 5,000 people, and each MNA, 10,000. Is this what political participation looks like?” she remarked.
Release of PTI founder Imran Khan and return of stolen mandate are the demands of the party
Despite reports of ongoing negotiations between authorities and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar affirmed that PTI is fully prepared for the November 24 protest, irrespective of whether dialogue takes place.
“Release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan and return of stolen mandate are the demands of the party,” said Asad Qaisar while talking to a private news channel.
He lashed out at the ruling coalition and asked them, “Do you realise that people have rejected you, but you are still holding positions?”
“The country is heading towards anarchy, the institutions are being paralysed,” said the former speaker of the national assembly.
He reiterated the party’s stance that the Islamabad march will be held “whether the government holds talks with PTI or not.”
On the other hand, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal declared PTI’s demands unacceptable, stating that their acceptance would amount to “giving concessions to terrorists.”
He referred to the apex committee’s decision to prevent a repeat of the “lawlessness” witnessed in 2014, which included attacks on the parliament building, Pakistan Television headquarters, and police stations.
"The committee gave very clear message that no one will be allowed to play with country’s economic growth and stability as such terrorist take advantage of shortcomings and leniency in governance to create anarchy in the country," he maintaind.
Imran asked PTI workers to remain peaceful.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has authorized senior PTI members Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar to hold negotiations with the establishment, Aleema Khan confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail after a meeting with her bother Imran, Aleema relayed his message, calling for the nation to rally on November 24 in a show of solidarity.
“He said November 24 is a crucial day. We need to mobilise to reclaim our right to vote, just as we came out for our ideology earlier this year,” Aleemastated.
According to Aleema, Imran Khan said, "The Constitution was violated by stealing votes. PTI became an ideological party on February 8. In 1970, we had ideological elections, but in 1985, Zia-ul-Haq introduced non-party elections, effectively ending ideological politics. On February 8, our freedom, party tickets, and even the party itself were taken from us. Since that polling day, there hasn’t been an election like the one on February 8 anywhere in the world.”
She also conveyed that Khan had directed PTI supporters to remain peaceful, saying, "We are not here to cause chaos. We are peacefully fighting for our ideological rights on November 24."
Earlier, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar met Imran Khan in Rawalpindi Adiala Jail.
Previously, sources revealed a high-level meeting between PTI and ruling coalition delegations regarding the upcoming Islamabad march happened in the Federal Capital.
The said meeting indicated the chances toward postponing the party’s march to Islamabad on the 'final call' of founder Imran Khan against his prolonged incarceration and the 26th amendment.
Previously, incarcerated PTI founder restricted his leaders from talks
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has directed his party leaders to negotiate with the relevant authorities on the party's demands before considering a postponement of the Islamabad rally.
“The talks will be held with those who have power,” Imran Khan’s counsel, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhary, quoted the former prime minister and said he made this statement during the meeting with Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar and CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur, who were seeking Khan's permission about negotiation.
He said that Imran Khan allowed PTI leaders to talk about the party’s demands and directed that the November 24 protest will continue until the government complies with their demands.”
Khalid Yousuf stated that previously, incarcerated PTI founder restricted his leaders from talks but after two-hour prolonged discussions, he permitted them to negotiate.
Earlier, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar met Imran Khan in Rawalpindi Adiala Jail.
Previously, sources revealed a high-level meeting between PTI and ruling coalition delegations regarding the upcoming Islamabad march happened in the Federal Capital.
The said meeting indicated the chances toward postponing the party’s march to Islamabad on the 'final call' of founder Imran Khan against his prolonged incarceration and the 26th amendment.
The ruling coalition will require the establishment’s approval to reach the decision
As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares the strategy for its upcoming protest campaign, sources revealed a high-level meeting between PTI and ruling coalition delegations regarding the upcoming Islamabad march.
Geo News reported that the said meeting indicated the chances towards postponing the party’s march to Islamabad on the 'final call' of founder Imran Khan against his prolonged incarceration and the 26th amendment.
In an investigative report, Senior Journalist Ansar Abbasi explained, “Initial contact was positive,” however, the names of people who were part of the delegation were not disclosed due to fears of failure in talks.
Sources stated if the talks appear positive, the government will try to gain the confidence of allies and there are also chances that the government would assure the opposition party of accepting its demands.
Apart from this, the ruling coalition will require the establishment’s approval to reach the decision, if it directly talks to PTI.
“Top authorities, who were part of the meeting, are expected to discuss the matter with allies, and if they give a go head, they will continue the talks with PTI,” said the sources.
Moreover, “if the government assures the PTI to accept demands, there are chances that PTI would consider to cancel the protest on November 24,” according to the sources.
Apart from this, it is also said that the military establishment would not be a part of these talks, but the government delegation could not pursue the talks without the establishment’s approval.
Former first lady directed the MNAs and MPAs to bring at least 10,000 and 5,000 workers.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, stepped up her involvement in politics as a member of the party’s consultation committee, confirmed sources.
The sources revealed that the development came under the direction of party founder Imran Khan.
Geo News quoted party sources, saying, “Bushra Bibi participated in the meeting that oversaw the protest preparation set to be held on November 24 and directed the office bearers and party leaders regarding the Islamabad march."
“Former first lady directed the MNAs and MPAs to bring at least 10,000 and 5,000 workers, respectively, for march to Islamabad from their constituencies,” sources revealed.
Moreover, she also warned, “If MNAs and MPAs fail to bring workers, and if any leader is arrested prior to the protest will no longer be considered a member of PTI,” sources privy to the meeting quoted Bushra Bibi.
In contrast, Imran Khan’s counsel, Faisal Chaudhary, denied the rumours regarding Bushra Bibi’s participation in politics, although he admitted that she was communicating Imran Khan’s messages to the party leaders, as they were not being allowed to meet the former prime minister in Adiala Jail.
However, in spite of the odds between the founder and officer bearers in the party regarding the announcement of the protest date with consultation, they were preparing for the march to Islamabad to end Imran Khan’s incarceration and against the 26th amendment implemented last month after approval of a majority of votes.
PTI sources refused to share the names of the leaders who are unhappy with the decision
Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s final call for protest, the party leaders seem hesitant to lead a march to Islamabad as several are unhappy with the announcement of the date, according to the sources.
A day ago, Imran Khan’s counsel, Faisal Chaudhary, stated in a media talk outside Adiala Jail that the former prime minister directed workers and supporters to march to Islamabad on November 24.
According to Geo News, the plan was announced after Chaudhary met with jailed founding chairman Imran Khan, but it came as a surprise for the top brass, as they were not happy with the announcement of the date by Khan.
Sources privy to the matter stated the leadership was mulling over the options to persuade Imran Khan to call off the protest.
“We will advise him to call off the protest, as we will move towards another effort for the fulfilment of demands,” said a party leader with anonymous condition.
PTI sources refused to share the names of the leaders who are unhappy with the decision of the founder as they believed if the names were disclosed they would be targeted on social media and these leaders are not ordinary, so their identity could be revealed.
Sources added that Imran Khan needs better advice as the party believes the arrangements of sit-ins for hundreds of thousands of people on D-chowk, including washroom facilities and food provision is not an easy task.
On the fears of Bushra Bibi’s arrest, it expressed concerns that such a “protest will not only risk of her re-arrest but it would also prolong Khan's stay in jail.”
As per sources, political challenges for PTI are subsiding gradually, “as Khan has gotten relief in several cases from the court, even if he is convicted in 190m pound case, he would get relief from the high court within a few months.”
Earlier, incarcerated Imran Khan shared a message from the Adiala Jail, urging party followers to attend the upcoming jalsa in Islamabad. Imran Khan framed the event as a “test” for the nation in what he called a final attempt to reverse an “undeclared martial law.”
Khan stated that he has established a committee responsible for coordinating and sustaining the protests.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) shared a message from its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, urging party followers to attend the upcoming jalsa in Islamabad. Imran Khan framed the event as a “test” for the nation in what he called a final attempt to reverse an “undeclared martial law.”
Imran Khan called on PTI leaders to lead a march to Islamabad on November 24 as part of a detailed plan intended as a decisive stance against the current government.
He outlined three primary demands, including the rollback of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of the Constitution to its original form, and the return of the party's “stolen mandate.” He also demanded the release of all political prisoners held without trial.
“My Pakistanis! I have sacrificed everything I could for the country and, God willing, I will continue to fight for your true freedom until my last breath,” Khan was quoted as saying. “But this is not Imran Khan’s fight alone. This is the struggle of the entire nation.”
He warned that future generations would not forgive them if they failed to stand against this oppression, stating, “The time has come to end this system of oppression with the power of the people, God willing.”
Imran Khan further alleged that an undeclared martial law has been in place for ten years under the 26th Amendment, enforced by what he termed “a phony parliament, a fraudulent prime minister, a sham president, and a farce of democracy.”
The former prime minister condemned the current coalition government as worse than Pervez Musharraf's dictatorship, claiming it rules through a "mafia” and a “fascist system” that imprisons innocent people.
“But I want to tell them that the nation does not approve of any of this,” he asserted.
Khan stated that he has established a committee responsible for coordinating and sustaining the protests, with the authority to bring the demonstrations to an end if necessary. This committee, he noted, will also negotiate with “whomever the handlers (establishment) choose.”
He instructed PTI leadership to communicate the protest plan clearly to followers, emphasising a “vigorous yet peaceful” protest.
He also called on civil society, salaried workers, businesspeople, farmers, and street vendors to join the movement, urging them to “sweep aside any obstacle or barricade blocking the path.”
“This time, we will not leave until our demands are met,” his message concluded.
