PTI is ready for Islamabad march whether govt holds talks or not: Asad Qaisar

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.