Imran criticises PTI leaders for failing to ‘react strongly’ against D-Chowk crackdown

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed disappointment over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership's failure to act decisively against the government’s crackdown on party workers at D-Chowk, Islamabad.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Friday, Imran voiced his surprise at a passive response from PTI leaders.

He said that while in prison, it appeared to him that party members were content outside and operating in a seemingly amicable environment.

Imran specifically criticised PTI leaders for not forcefully raising the issue of the government's actions against PTI's November protests.

"I expected that the D-Chowk issue would be vigorously highlighted in Parliament and other forums, but I am surprised this did not happen," he remarked.

"I am amazed at the [PTI] leadership. If one case ends, another begins. The party should have reacted strongly. The December 15 call has become a challenge for PTI itself rather than the government," he added.

Imran has instructed PTI to initiate a civil disobedience movement on December 15. However, he clarified that the call could be withdrawn if the ongoing dialogue with the government on two key demands proves successful.

Earlier, during a meeting with PTI leaders in Adiala Jail following the violent crackdown on protesters in Islamabad, Imran revealed that he had not been accurately informed about the events. It was only after meeting his sisters that he became aware of the gravity of the situation, including allegations that party workers had been shot at.

On the issue of the court-martial of former ISI chief General (retd) Faiz Hameed, Imran stated that Hameed only engaged with him after receiving permission from then-Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

"Faiz Hameed would later brief General Bajwa about his engagements with the Prime Minister," he said.

Imran further argued that if General Faiz Hameed is being held accountable for alleged involvement in the May 9 violence, then General Bajwa should face similar treatment, as such actions could not have occurred without his knowledge.