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Ali Amin Gandapur Announces D-Chowk Protest Amid SCO Summit
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announces a D-Chowk protest, demanding clarity on Imran Khan’s health. PTI may delay the protest if granted a meeting.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-14
Ali Amin Gandapur Announces D-Chowk Protest Amid SCO Summit

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has announced that PTI will stage a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad tomorrow, despite the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. His statement comes at a time of heightened diplomatic activity as Pakistan hosts Chinese Premier Li Qiang and important agreements between Pakistan and China are set to be signed during the summit.

 

Speaking to journalists, Gandapur expressed frustration with the government’s handling of Imran Khan’s situation, stating that PTI’s protest is a direct response to the lack of clarity surrounding their leader’s health. “The government is forcing us to take this step. We are concerned about the well-being of our leader, and they are not allowing us to meet him,” he said.

 

Conditional Offer to Postpone Protest

Despite the announcement, Gandapur mentioned the possibility of postponing the protest if PTI is allowed to meet Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. “If our delegation can meet the founder of PTI, then we might consider delaying the protest,” he said. This conditional offer came after widespread calls from various political parties urging PTI to reconsider the protest due to the SCO summit's importance.

 

Government's Response

Earlier today, reports circulated that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had assured Barrister Gohar, PTI’s legal representative, of a meeting with Imran Khan. However, the Ministry of Interior later denied these claims, leaving the situation unresolved and fueling further frustration within PTI.

 

Gandapur, while speaking in Peshawar, reiterated the party’s demand for a meeting with their leader. “The party is worried about not meeting Imran Khan, and the government’s refusal is pushing us toward this protest,” he added.

 

Tensions Rise During Key International Summit

The announcement of the D-Chowk protest comes at a delicate time, as Islamabad is hosting high-level dignitaries for the SCO summit. With stringent security measures already in place for the summit, a protest in the heart of the capital could pose significant challenges for law enforcement.

 

Political analysts have pointed out the potential diplomatic fallout of holding a protest during such a significant international event. Several political leaders, including those from opposition parties, have urged PTI to postpone their demonstration to avoid disrupting the summit's proceedings.

 

PTI’s Position on Protest

While the protest is being framed as a necessity due to the government's actions, Ali Amin Gandapur also suggested that PTI is prepared to scale back if their demands are met. He further criticized detractors, stating, “The dogs keep barking, but the caravan moves forward. If we start throwing stones at everyone, the caravan cannot move.”

 

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will allow PTI’s delegation to meet Imran Khan, thereby potentially defusing the political tensions surrounding the protest.

 

Conclusion:

With the SCO summit underway and critical bilateral agreements in progress, the timing of PTI’s D-Chowk protest has raised concerns among political observers. Whether the protest goes ahead or is postponed will largely depend on the government’s response to PTI’s demands for access to their leader.

 
Tagged:

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PakistanPolitics

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