Khawaja Asif Claims Bushra Bibi Blocked Plan to Change Protest Venue Agreed by Imran Khan

Background of the Protest

On November 24, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced a sit-in protest with party workers attempting to cross barricades towards Islamabad. This resulted in violent clashes with Rangers and police, leading to the martyrdom of several security personnel and injuries to hundreds of people. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif commented on these events during a media briefing in Sialkot.

Imran Khan’s Agreement vs Bushra Bibi’s Insistence

Asif claimed that Imran Khan had agreed to a change in the protest location, which was part of the government’s efforts to avoid escalation. However, Bushra Bibi reportedly insisted on continuing the protest at D-Chowk. Asif emphasized that this disagreement led to the chaotic situation. Despite Imran Khan’s agreement to move the protest, Bushra Bibi remained firm on her decision to march toward D-Chowk, which intensified the situation.

Bushra Bibi’s Concerns and Protest Fallout

According to Asif, Bushra Bibi, unfamiliar with managing large crowds, raised concerns about the gathering at D-Chowk. Asif quoted her as asking, “Who will go there now?” and still insisted on going ahead with the original plan. As a result, the protest escalated, and Bushra Bibi, along with Ali Amin Gandapur, fled the scene. Asif added that their vehicle was hit with bricks while they were escaping, but they managed to reappear in Mansehra later.

Conflicting Reports on Deaths and Casualties

Regarding the number of fatalities during the protests, Asif noted the contradictory statements from PTI leadership. While Sardar Latif Khisa had initially reported 278 deaths, the number was later revised down to single digits. Asif criticized the lack of evidence supporting claims of mass casualties, pointing out that no funeral videos or testimonies from the families of the deceased had been provided. Though there were reports of injuries, Asif emphasized that no confirmed evidence had emerged regarding the alleged widespread bloodshed.

PIA European Flight Resumption

On a positive note, Asif welcomed the resumption of PIA’s European flights, stating it as a positive development for the national carrier. He mentioned that this move would allow PIA to capture a larger market share in Europe. Furthermore, he pointed out that the restored European routes would also help with the privatization process, boosting the airline’s market presence.