Sher Afzal Marwat, a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has hinted at a fresh protest planned for January. The party is still coping with the aftermath of the Islamabad demonstration that claimed 12 lives. Speaking on a TV show, Marwat said the party would be ready for another protest by January.
On November 24, thousands of PTI supporters traveled from various cities to Islamabad. They joined the protest called by Imran Khan, demanding the release of party members and the restoration of democracy. However, the demonstration ended abruptly after three days. Despite roadblocks and internet disruptions, PTI workers managed to reach Islamabad.
The party alleges that 12 of its supporters were killed on the last day of the protest. Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI’s information secretary, shared these details at a press conference on November 29. He also announced plans to gather evidence against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and certain police officers. The party aims to file a criminal complaint under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code for the deaths.
Separate complaints will be filed for each victim, focusing on legal action for the injured. Marwat pointed out that the government usually controls the filing of FIRs. However, the Supreme Court has allowed the possibility of filing private criminal complaints under Section 200 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Marwat called this a strong legal strategy, similar to FIR-based prosecutions.
The PTI leader accused anti-party forces of creating divisions within the PTI. He stated that the government must apologize and compensate the families of the slain workers to create an atmosphere for dialogue. Otherwise, engaging with those responsible for the deaths would be unacceptable.
Marwat defended Gandapur’s character and stressed his importance to the party. He added that PTI is now focused on addressing the cases filed against its members.
