Religious scholars say protests are hurting Pakistan

The Kul Masalik Ulema Board expressed concerns that the politics of sit-ins and protests is damaging Pakistan, while more pressing national issues are being neglected. The board has urged the political leadership to prioritise resolving conflicts through dialogue.

A meeting of the Kul Masalik Ulema Board was held on Sunday in Lahore under the chairmanship of Maulana Asim Makhdoom.

Prominent attendees included Allama Mohsin Golwari, Qari Khalid Mahmood, Agha Saghir Abbas Virk, and Allama Muhammad Badr.

The scholars highlighted that if the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) can engage in dialogue with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, there should be no hesitation in sitting with the current government to address pressing issues.

They also expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Parachinar, where lives have been lost due to violence addding that the leaders seem more focused on saving their politics.

Meanwhile, a convoy of PTI protesters, led by Bushra Bibi, and CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur, reached Dhok Ghar near Burhan. 

The convoy, which departed from Peshawar, is part of the party's protest march toward Islamabad.

According to PTI leaders, Ali Amin Gandapur is leading the convoy, with Bushra Bibi following in another vehicle.

In response to the PTI protests, the government has taken strict measures, closing roads leading to Islamabad and erecting barricades on major routes.

PTI leaders have claimed that 490 party workers and leaders have been arrested across Punjab, with over 100 individuals still missing.

PTI decided to proceed with its call for a "do-or-die" march towards Islamabad on November 24, following the failure of negotiations and the government's refusal to release Imran Khan on Friday.

Imran Khan has 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.