PTI Protest Plans Mired in Confusion Amidst Shifting Timelines

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Introduces 90-Day Strategy, Sparking Internal Dissent and Questions on Aug 5 Movement

Confusion surrounds the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned nationwide protest, with a newly announced 90-day timeline by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister **Ali Amin Gandapur** casting doubt on the previously set August 5 date. The party’s strategy for the release of incarcerated founder **Imran Khan** appears to be in flux, leading to internal questioning.

Internal Disagreement Emerges Over Protest Strategy

At a press conference intended to detail protest plans, **Gandapur** declared a “final push” with a 90-day countdown already initiated. This announcement, made alongside other PTI leaders in Lahore, left party workers and officials perplexed about the fate of the August 5 movement, designed to mark two years of **Imran Khan**’s imprisonment.

The KP CM stated, “The protest campaign had started last night and would reach its crescendo in 90 days for a final showdown.” However, when pressed by reporters, **Gandapur** reiterated that the protest would peak by August 5 through political means, adding that the party would decide within 90 days “whether we should even do politics in this country… if [political means] do not lead to a result, then we will let you know about our plan of action that will come forward.” He also ominously declared, “We will either do or die,” asserting that “there is no politics” in the country.

Adding to the disarray, PTI Punjab Chief Organizer **Aliya Hamza Malik** was notably absent from the presser. In a sharp retort on social media, she questioned the lack of clarity: “What strategy has been announced for the release of Imran Khan, how and where the protest campaign will begin? Who replaced the Aug 5 plan with 90 days?” She also sarcastically commented on her own supposed unavailability, “I myself do not know where I was busy for the past two days,” a jab at PTI Secretary General **Salman Akram Raja**’s explanation for her absence.

What strategy has been announced for the release of Imran Khan, how and where the protest campaign will begin? Who replaced the Aug 5 plan with 90 days? I myself do not know where I was busy for the past two days

— Aliya Hamza Malik (@Aliya_HamzaMalik) July 13, 2024

Establishment Offered Dialogue Amidst Accusations

**Gandapur** also extended an olive branch to the military establishment for dialogue, despite **Imran Khan**’s recent stance against such talks. “Now we are giving an open offer (to the establishment) to hold dialogue with us or we will get to ‘tread on our own path’ with clear timeline and targets,” he stated.

The KP CM criticized the establishment for its alleged interference in politics, claiming it had “hijacked the system”. He insisted that the PTI would engage directly with the powers that be, suggesting they could even include “(puppet) politicians” alongside them. “We no longer want to waste time talking to the ruling politicians, who carry no power to make a decision,” **Gandapur** added. These overtures, however, have not been reciprocated by the establishment to date.

Accusations Directed at State Institutions

Furthermore, **Gandapur** accused state institutions of exacerbating terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “When it is asked about making and breaking governments, it simply says the institution is apolitical,” he remarked, urging the establishment to acknowledge and rectify its errors. He contended that the army was consequently earning a “bad reputation” and questioned the direction in which it was leading the country.

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in political instability in several countries, with international organizations like the International Crisis Group highlighting the detrimental impact of military intervention on democratic processes. For instance, their analysis of Pakistan’s political landscape in 2023 pointed to prolonged periods of uncertainty stemming from such interventions (International Crisis Group, 2023).