PTI sit-in: Imran announces return to D-Chowk

Published September 5, 2014
– Screen grab of Imran Khan speaking to protesters
– Screen grab of Imran Khan speaking to protesters
- Agencies
- Agencies
Nawaz
Nawaz
Protesters use plastic sheet to cover themselves from rain as they move to another place at the premises of Parliament building where they camped in Islamabad, Sept 4, 2014. — AP
Protesters use plastic sheet to cover themselves from rain as they move to another place at the premises of Parliament building where they camped in Islamabad, Sept 4, 2014. — AP

As the political crisis prevailing in the country continues unabated, the government and opposition parties in the Assembly are making frantic efforts to negotiate with the protesting PTI and PAT.

The previous day saw fiery speeches from Raza Rabbani who made a stirring call to democratic forces to unite in what he saw as a long battle for the supremacy of Parliament and Ahsan Iqbal who came out with a strong denunciation of PTI and PAT.

And while progress appeared on the talks’ front as the government and PTI traded proposals for electoral reforms, impressions of a deal to end the stalemate were dispelled by party lawmaker Arif Alvi.

Confusion also reigned in the capital after Ahsan Iqbal announced that Chinese president Xi Jinping had ‘cancelled’ his upcoming visit to Pakistan, even before Beijing had made its plans regarding the visit public.

In his latest harangue, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri also lashed out at Parliamentarians saying lawmakers were labeling his “peaceful daughters, sisters and sons” as terrorists.

With the numbers at the Constitution Avenue parade continuing the ebb and flow pattern of the past weeks, a dramatic ruling from the Supreme Court or flexibility from the defiant government and stubborn protesting parties are the only likely options to end the deadlock.

Will PTI and government agree on certain concessions? Will better sense prevail for Dr Qadri, who is calling for an overthrow of the system? What success will the jirga achieve?

Read up on Saturday and Sunday's violent clashes | Read what took place on Monday | Read what took place on Tuesday | Read up on events from Wednesday | Read up on what happened on Thursday

Opinion

Editorial

X post facto
Updated 19 Apr, 2024

X post facto

Our decision-makers should realise the harm they are causing.
Insufficient inquiry
19 Apr, 2024

Insufficient inquiry

UNLESS the state is honest about the mistakes its functionaries have made, we will be doomed to repeat our follies....
Melting glaciers
19 Apr, 2024

Melting glaciers

AFTER several rain-related deaths in KP in recent days, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has sprung into...
IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...