PTI Leadership Faces Criticism Over Lack of Support from Punjab in Islamabad Protest

Islamabad:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s call for a final protest on November 24 saw large numbers of supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) converge on Islamabad in the form of caravans. However, despite expectations, a significant contingent from Punjab did not make it to the capital.

On November 26, PTI protesters successfully reached D-Chowk, but a late-night operation cleared the area, including the highly sensitive Red Zone and Jinnah Avenue, of demonstrators. In the wake of this, the leadership of PTI fled Islamabad, but KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur later announced that protests would continue in Mansehra.

The failure of PTI’s leadership and supporters from Punjab to reach Islamabad has led to widespread criticism. Many within the party are questioning why the people of Punjab did not show up to support their leader and demand the release of Imran Khan. Critics argue that if the protesters from Punjab had joined the rally, the outcome might have been different.

One PTI member of the Punjab Assembly, speaking to *V News*, explained that had they been informed to head to Islamabad earlier, the people of Punjab would have joined in large numbers. “Bashra Bibi (Imran Khan’s wife) had directed Punjab’s lawmakers and party leaders to remain in their constituencies and not join the protest in Islamabad on November 24,” the assembly member said.

The member further revealed that on November 23, the government had blocked all routes to Islamabad, preventing party leaders and lawmakers from reaching the capital. “Despite this, after facing severe criticism for the lack of participation, we have now been instructed to prepare for another long march, which will start from Lahore this time,” the PTI lawmaker said.

**Preparing for the Next Phase: Lahore Long March**

According to the assembly member, the party has been given clear instructions to be prepared for a long march, which could begin at any time. “There is great anger within the party, especially after our workers were shot at in broad daylight at D-Chowk,” the member said. “We have seen our people being gunned down, and this has sparked significant frustration within the party. Our workers have been attacked mercilessly.”

Sources within the party have indicated that messages are being sent from Bashra Bibi, who is instructing Punjab’s lawmakers and party leaders to decide on the date and location from where the long march will begin. It is expected that the march will start from Lahore, with all PTI lawmakers and supporters in the province mobilized for this next phase of the movement.

**Terrorism Cases Filed Against PTI Members in Punjab**

In a troubling development, it has been reported that terrorism charges have been filed against PTI members, both at the national and provincial level, in Faisalabad district. “Similar cases are being registered in other districts of Punjab as well,” the member stated. “These cases are part of the ongoing crackdown against party leaders and workers, particularly in Punjab.”

Looking ahead, the PTI lawmaker emphasized that the next 10 to 15 days would be crucial for the party, during which leadership will finalize important decisions regarding the party’s future strategy and actions. “This is a make-or-break time for the party. Critical decisions will be made in the coming days.”

As the political situation continues to evolve, the PTI leadership faces increasing pressure to take decisive action, while the people of Punjab remain a central focus in the party’s ongoing protests and efforts to challenge the government.