Imran Khan's Rumored Death Sparks Nationwide Protests in Pakistan
Protests Erupt Amidst Political Turmoil
New Delhi: In Pakistan, widespread protests are anticipated following alarming rumors regarding the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities in Rawalpindi have prohibited public gatherings and enforced Section 144 as Khan's supporters demand to see him.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan from London, prompted by President Asif Ali Zardari's call for an urgent parliamentary session. This joint session aims to address various pressing matters, including relations with Afghanistan and the situation surrounding Imran Khan, as well as ongoing issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, both of which have seen significant unrest and military casualties recently.
An insider revealed that the Pakistani establishment is seeking a shift in governance in KP. This parliamentary session follows the Sharif government's decision, influenced by the military, to impose Governor's rule in the province. If approved by the National Assembly, this move would remove Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a member of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, from his position.
The government cites law and order concerns as justification for this action. Khan's supporters, including family members, have been protesting vigorously after being denied access to him, which has intensified speculation about his condition. They are demanding to meet him amidst swirling rumors of his death.
Analysts suggest that the call for a joint session is merely a facade. While the official narrative claims discussions will focus on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the underlying goal appears to be the establishment of Governor's rule in KP. A unilateral decision to alter the administration could provoke public backlash, prompting the Sharif government to seek parliamentary support for this change.
Although it seems likely that the government intends to implement Governor's rule in KP, the question remains who will assume the role. Current Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is a frontrunner, alongside former ministers Pervez Khattak and Ahmed Hyder Hoti. However, if consensus on a political leader cannot be reached, the military may intervene.
PTI leaders have assured that their protests will remain peaceful, yet the government is attempting to frame these demonstrations as potentially violent, which could facilitate an administrative overhaul in KP aimed at diminishing PTI's influence in the region.
Another source indicated that the situation surrounding Imran Khan is becoming increasingly unmanageable. Pakistan is grappling with significant challenges related to Afghanistan, alongside internal strife in KP and Balochistan, compounded by the escalating Imran Khan crisis, which is damaging the country's international standing.
Currently, the primary objectives for Pakistan are to restructure the administration in KP and address the Imran Khan situation. The establishment may permit Khan's sister, Uzma, to visit him, along with a vetted attorney, but this meeting comes with strict conditions, including a media blackout post-visit.
The authorities hope that this meeting will quell tensions. However, PTI supporters are planning a major protest, with Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Act of 2024 remaining in effect until December 3, prohibiting all forms of assemblies and gatherings.
The District Intelligence Committee (DIC) has issued warnings about specific intelligence indicating that certain groups are mobilizing to disrupt public order through large protests and assemblies. The order from Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema highlights concerns about potential violence targeting sensitive locations, thereby threatening public safety.