PTI hints at calling off Nov 24 protest if breakthrough in talks

• Imran Khan says there is no option left except for protests.
• "I have always called for peaceful protests," says PTI founder.
• Ex-PM terms reports of spending Rs1bn on protests baseless.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said that celebrations will be staged instead of a protest if there's a breakthrough in the PTI-government talks, his lawyer said, hinting at calling off the protest.

Following a meeting with Khan at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, quoting the PTI founder, said: "If there's headway in talks by tomorrow, there'll be celebrations instead of protests. Otherwise, we are prepared for peaceful demonstrations."

The lawyer went on to say that Khan has said that this was the second time he had given a protest call since the May 9 protest — which saw state installations being ransacked.

Khan also said that there is no option left except for protests, emphasising that political parties are crucial in keeping the country united.

The PTI founder also expressed concerns over restrictions faced by the party, saying, "We are not allowed to hold rallies or gatherings." 

"I have always called for peaceful protests," he claimed. 

The former premier further stated that he had given time for the negotiations until tomorrow. 

"Talks will only take place with those who hold the real power," the deposed prime minister's lawyer quoted him as saying. 

The cricketer-turned-batter, the lawyer said, reiterated that PTI's demands would form the basis of any dialogue and that the cancellation of protests depends on the acceptance of those demands.

"It takes effort from both sides for progress to be made."

Moreover, the PTI founder also clarified that reports of spending Rs1 billion on protests were baseless, Chaudhry added. 

The former ruling and now opposition party has announced a "do-or-die" demonstration Islamabad on the call of its founder, who remains incarcerated in Adiala jail. PTI has time and again called for Khan's release and the return of its mandate which it alleges was stolen in the February 8 polls.

For months, it has been at odds with the incumbent government and has marched onto the federal capital on multiple occasions leading to a crackdown against its leaders and workers.

Punjab government has adopted a strong stance against the rival party's "final call" protest, saying that it would deal with protesters on November 24 as they do with terrorists.

Security beefed up

With the PTI refusing to back from its protest call, the government too has geared up for the demonstrations with Punjab and Islamabad police seeking additional personnel to maintain the law and order situation.

Over 10,700 police personnel from across Punjab have been put on standby with the force being provided with tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has also requisitioned 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir.

Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people, has been imposed in Islamabad for two months.

The Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) are already deployed in the capital which may be sealed off with shipping containers by Friday (November 22).