Imran Khan agreed to change protest venue, but Bushra Bibi insisted on D-Chowk: Khawaja Asif

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has made several claims regarding the events surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad on November 24.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Asif stated that while PTI founder Imran Khan had agreed to a suggestion to change the location of the protest, his wife, Bushra Bibi, insisted on continuing the march toward D-Chowk, which resulted in the ensuing chaos.

Asif recalled that PTI workers, after crossing barricades, attempted to reach Islamabad for a sit-in protest. The federal minister praised the security forces for successfully preventing what he described as the third attack on the federal government, but criticised PTI's leadership for fleeing the scene when faced with resistance.

Regarding the protest location, Asif claimed that the government had offered PTI alternative protest venues. He said that while Imran Khan had agreed to one of the proposals, Bushra Bibi’s insistence on proceeding to D-Chowk led to the chaotic situation.

Asif also remarked on Bushra Bibi’s concern over the crowd, quoting her as saying, “Who will go there now?” before the protestors continued toward D-Chowk. He also mentioned that as the leaders fled the scene, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vehicle was reportedly struck by bricks.

On the issue of deaths during the protest, Asif pointed out discrepancies in PTI's claims about the number of fatalities. He referred to an initial report by PTI leader Sardar Latif Khosa, which suggested 278 deaths, but said the number was later revised down to single digits.

Asif questioned the lack of evidence supporting claims of mass casualties, stating that no videos or statements from families of the deceased had been presented to substantiate the reports.

He concluded his address by welcoming the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe, calling it a positive development for the national carrier, which would help capture a larger share of the European market.