Islamabad: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned that he will launch a nationwide civil disobedience movement if the government does not release his detained supporters and form a judicial commission to investigate the violent protests. He issued this warning on social media after security forces forcibly dispersed his party’s protest in Islamabad.
Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 on various charges, announced the formation of a five-member team to negotiate with the government. He stated that if talks fail, he will begin the civil disobedience campaign on December 14. Khan urged overseas Pakistanis to stop sending remittances, which could impact Pakistan’s economy.
The government’s crackdown on Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has sparked widespread criticism. Protests led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in November turned violent. PTI claims security forces killed at least 12 of its supporters, though the government denies any civilian casualties.
Political analysts view Khan’s move as an attempt to regain momentum after recent setbacks. However, strained relations with the military complicate his political future. Experts, including Cyril Almeida, believe negotiations are unlikely under the current military leadership.
Pakistan’s political climate remains tense, and the threat of civil disobedience adds to the instability.
