Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has urged his supporters to rally in Peshawar on December 13, warning of a potential civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met. This call follows his party’s recent protest in Islamabad, which turned violent and allegedly resulted in fatalities.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Khan appealed to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) followers to mobilize in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a PTI stronghold. He demanded a judicial investigation into the government’s actions during the November 25 protest march, which he claims left 12 of his supporters dead, and into the violence on May 9, 2023, which resulted in eight deaths.
“All arrested political workers should be released,” Khan stated, warning that a civil disobedience movement would commence on December 14 if his demands were not fulfilled. “The government will be held responsible for any consequences,” he added.
The government, however, has denied any fatalities during the November protest and has accused PTI supporters of targeting military installations during the May 9 violence.
Khan, a former cricket star turned politician, faces multiple legal battles. On Thursday, he was indicted for allegedly orchestrating the May 9 attacks, charges he denies. This is one of several cases against the 72-year-old, who has been detained since late 2023.
The PTI leader and his party allege that the cases are politically motivated and designed to keep him out of the political arena, citing pressure from the military as the driving force behind his 2022 ouster. Relations between Khan and the military reportedly soured in the months leading up to his removal from office.
The situation comes amid growing political tensions in Pakistan, with the PTI leveraging its strong support base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions to maintain pressure on the federal government.
Authorities are bracing for potential unrest in the coming weeks, particularly as Khan’s call for a rally and subsequent threats of civil disobedience gain momentum among his followers. The political standoff underscores the deep divisions in Pakistan’s political landscape and the challenges of navigating the fallout from recent protests.
Khan’s latest actions reflect his defiance against the government and military establishment, setting the stage for further confrontations as his party seeks to maintain its influence amid mounting legal and political challenges.
