PTI leader criticises uncertain D-Chowk plans as new protest looms

• Workers demoralised due to Gandapur's disappearance: Atif Khan.
• Says leadership should've clarified what was to be done at D-Chowk.
• Workers get confused due to leaders' mixed signals, says lawmaker.
  

With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announcing another protest in Islamabad next week, its Member of National Assembly (MNA) Atif Khan has censured the "uncertain" D-Chowk demonstration, saying that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's "disappearance" demoralised the workers.

Referring to PTI's protest that took place last week in the federal capital, while speaking on a private news channel, Atif opined that the party leadership should have clarified what the workers should do at D-Chowk and said that everyone in the party was doubting each other for engaging in double-dealing.

The lawmaker's remarks come as last week's demonstrations were marred by controversy owing to KP CM Gandapur's disappearance after Islamabad police raided the KP House in the federal capital amid party's protest.

The demonstration, as per the party, was for the "independence of the judiciary" — as the government aims to introduce constitutional amendments — and for the release of its founder Imran Khan jailed at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than one year.

"The workers get confused if the leaders give mixed signals," remarked Atif, adding that the party activists have been left disappointed due to Gandapur's disappearance.

It is to be noted that Gandapur, who was leading the PTI workers' march from his province, resurfaced in the KP Assembly after being incommunicado for a day claiming that he was inside the KP House all this time.

The Imran Khan-founded party since then has announced holding another protest in Islamabad on October 15 — the same day the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government is set to commence in the city.

The announcement has drawn strong reactions from the ruling coalition with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying that the incumbent government would not let the country be held hostage.

"Those who have a mindset to conspire against the country should better stay at home as no miscreant will be allowed to disrupt the SCO Conference in Islamabad, said Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman said the PTI’s attempt to hold a protest on October 15 would send one message only that the party put itself above Pakistan and it was ready to endanger the country's reputation as well as security at a time when the country was hosting a big international event.