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Imran Khan, the incarcerated leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is threatening to launch a “civil disobedience” movement starting December 14 if his demands are not met. This warning follows the failure of his party’s “do-or-die” protest, aimed at securing Khan’s release and addressing several political grievances.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khan announced the formation of a five-member negotiation committee to engage with the government. The committee, which includes key PTI figures like Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser, is tasked with securing two primary demands: the release of political prisoners and the establishment of a judicial commission to probe the May 9, 2023, incidents and the violent crackdown on PTI supporters in November 2023.
Khan warned that if these demands were not met by December 14, PTI would move forward with its civil disobedience campaign. He emphasized that the government would be held responsible for the consequences of such a movement, which could escalate the political crisis in Pakistan.
This comes after a failed protest in Islamabad, where PTI supporters faced a midnight crackdown by law enforcement. PTI claims that at least 12 workers were killed and over 1,000 arrested, although the government denied the use of live ammunition and stated that four security personnel lost their lives in the clashes.
What Is Civil Disobedience?
Civil disobedience refers to the deliberate, nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of the government as a form of protest. This tactic has been used historically to challenge oppressive laws and political systems, to provoke a government response, and to highlight perceived injustices.
The concept of civil disobedience gained widespread recognition through figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi’s philosophy of satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) was key to India’s struggle for independence, while King applied civil disobedience in the American civil rights movement to combat racial segregation.
In civil disobedience, activists typically break specific laws they view as unjust, fully aware that their actions may result in legal consequences. However, by submitting to punishment, they aim to set a moral example that will inspire change or force concessions from the government. The movement is characterized by nonviolence, as its proponents believe that peaceful resistance has the power to influence public opinion and policymakers.
Civil disobedience is not about rejecting the entire political system but rather challenging specific, perceived injustices. It is seen as a symbolic violation of the law to provoke dialogue and prompt reform. Historically, it has been a powerful tool for social movements, from India’s independence struggle to the American fight for civil rights.
As Khan prepares to launch his civil disobedience movement, it remains to be seen whether it will gain widespread support and force the government to respond to his demands. The outcome could have significant implications for Pakistan’s political future.
If Khan launches the movement, he will direct his supporters not to pay their utility bills and taxes, while he can also appeal to overseas Pakistanis to stop sending remittances to the country.
