PTI backs Aleema's march call, fears 'false flag' or 'massacre'

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party faces internal apprehension regarding a planned "long march" called by Aleema Khan, fearing it could devolve into violence or a "false-flag operation" similar to past incidents. Senior party leaders have voiced concerns that Khan's inflammatory language could provoke unrest, potentially jeopardizing the efforts of parliamentarians who have been instrumental in supporting party chairman Imran Khan and ensuring worker presence at Adiala jail.

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There is no doubt that leaders, workers and people love and respect Imran’s family and will support her (Aleema’s) call for protest and march.

One leader noted that while the party and its supporters deeply respect Imran Khan's family and would heed Aleema Khan's call, her statements might incite violence. The leader pointed to instances where workers were harmed, and First Information Reports (FIRs) were not registered, highlighting Aleema Khan's perceived selective visits to affected families. The party also questioned the focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for organizing marches, suggesting Punjab should also be involved.

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But Aleema has been trying to instigate people against MNAs and MPAs, ignoring the fact that a large number of workers go to Adiala jail thanks to persuasion by parliamentarians.

Another party member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recalled that similar suggestions were previously rejected due to fears of a "false flag operation" that could negatively impact Imran Khan. This leader also expressed concern about the current chief minister's ability to mobilize workers, citing ongoing legal cases against him. Despite these internal reservations, Aleema Khan reportedly received an enthusiastic welcome in Chitral, indicating her popularity.

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However, Aleema’s statements may incite people to violence as she has been saying that we will not return once we reach there and firing on workers will not be tolerated.

However, the party's official position, as stated by Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, is to fully support Aleema Khan's initiative. Akram affirmed that the party's sole objective is Imran Khan's release and that they stand united with his family in this endeavor. He dismissed allegations of promoting "family politics," asserting that the PTI and the chairman's family are aligned.

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It is a fact that 14 workers were shot at D Chowk, but we failed to get even the First Information Report (FIR) registered.