Imran Khan defers civil disobedience movement on party leaders’ request

Rawalpindi: Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has postponed the announcement of the civil disobedience movement for a “few days” at the request of party leaders, his sister Aleema Khan confirmed on Tuesday.

“He [Imran] is deeply concerned about the country and has decided to wait for a few more days,” Aleema said while addressing journalists outside Adiala Jail.

Earlier, Imran Khan had issued a warning via his social media account on X, stating that a civil disobedience movement would be launched if the government failed to meet his demands, which include a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023, riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, as well as the release of political prisoners affiliated with the party.

To address these demands, Imran Khan has formed a negotiation committee tasked with initiating dialogue with the government. The committee includes senior PTI leaders.

Earlier reports suggested that both PTI and the government had agreed to use parliamentary forums for negotiations following a meeting between PTI leader Asad Qaiser and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. However, Qaiser dismissed these claims, clarifying that his visit to Sadiq’s residence was to offer condolences and not to discuss negotiations. The government has also denied holding any talks with PTI.

Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan reiterated Imran Khan’s demands and emphasized that if they are not fulfilled, the civil disobedience movement would proceed as planned. PTI founder’s counsel Faisal Chaudhry confirmed the development, adding that the government appears reluctant to hold meaningful dialogue.