RAWALPINDI: Hinting at the possibility of calling off the November 24 protest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, has said that the march would only be abandoned if the party’s demands are met.
Following a meeting with Khan at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “If there’s headway in talks by tomorrow, there’ll be celebrations instead of protests.”
The lawyer went on to say that the PTI founder has said that this was the second time he had given a protest call since the May 9 protest — which saw state installations being ransacked.
He reiterated that their demands would form the basis of any dialogue and that the cancellation of protests depends on the acceptance of those demands.
The PTI founder has also clarified that reports of spending Rs1 billion on protests are baseless, said Chaudhry.
The party founder also said that there is no option left except for protests, emphasising that political parties are crucial in keeping the country united.
Speaking about the negotiations, the founder said: “If the talks progress by tomorrow, there will be celebrations instead of protests. Otherwise, we are prepared for peaceful demonstrations.”
He added: “I have given time until tomorrow for the negotiations. Talks will only take place with those who hold the real power.”
The founder also expressed concerns over restrictions, saying, “We are not allowed to hold rallies or gatherings,” while maintaining, “I have always called for peaceful protests.”
“It takes effort from both sides for progress to be made.”
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
