PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur have opposed the protest at D-Chowk on October 15. This protest coincides with the start of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, where many foreign dignitaries will attend.
Several senior PTI leaders, including Asad Qaiser, Hamid Khan, and Raoof Hasan, also believe the protest is not in Pakistan’s best interest. They argue that holding such a demonstration during an important international event could harm the country’s image. Ali Muhammad Khan, who is not part of the PTI’s political committee, is also upset about the decision to protest on this sensitive occasion.
However, the hawkish elements within PTI, led by Shehbaz Gill, Hammad Azhar, Khalid Khurshid, and Hafiz Farhat, have pushed for the protest to proceed. These leaders convinced the PTI political committee to endorse the protest at D-Chowk, despite the potential diplomatic consequences. They plan to hold the protest on the first day of the two-day SCO summit, which will take place just a few kilometers from the protest site.
Surprisingly, Salman Akram Raja, a well-known lawyer, has also supported the hawks in the party. He endorsed the protest, despite its proximity to the high-profile international event. Sources indicate that his stance has surprised many PTI insiders yet Raja did not comment on that.
Gandapur Opposition Against the Protest
On the other hand, Chief Minister Gandapur voted against the protest, showing his concern for Pakistan’s reputation.
PTI sources have revealed that Murad Saeed, though not a political committee member, was the first to promote the protest call on social media. He posted about it on “X” soon after the decision was made. The party’s social media wing, led by figures like Gill and Azhar, has actively promoted the protest while targeting those within PTI who resist this decision. Their posts criticize PTI members who disagree with the protest, causing internal friction.
Many PTI leaders, including Gohar Ali Khan, are working behind the scenes to have the protest canceled. They fear that any violent clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement agencies during the SCO summit could severely harm Pakistan’s international standing. A leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that any unrest could embarrass the country in front of its foreign guests, including several heads of government.
Another PTI leader, who also requested anonymity, admitted that ordinary PTI supporters are not enthusiastic about the protest. He said the timing, with the SCO summit underway, has frustrated many party voters. They see it as conflicting with Pakistan’s national interests, and many may choose not to participate.
Despite these efforts, the hawkish faction within PTI continues to push for the protest. Some leaders acknowledge that even if the protest attracts a crowd, it will still clash with Pakistan’s efforts to maintain good relations with the SCO member states. As October 15 approaches, the debate within PTI grows, but for now, the protest call stands, raising concerns about its potential impact on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
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