Pakistan’s Imran Khan asks people to join protest on Nov 24

Perturbed by the government’s move to ban Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Imran Khan made a strong appeal on Monday to people, urging them to join the protest his party is holding in the federal capital on November 24.

Speaking to journalists, the former prime minister described the coming demonstration as a critical national movement, reports the dawn.

“Today, I am calling on the entire nation to take to the streets on November 24. This is not just PTI’s issue, [rather] this is the issue of every Pakistani,” he asserted, emphasising the broader significance of protest in the face of what he called a concerted effort to silence political opposition.

The incarcerated leader condemned ongoing efforts by the government to block access to social media platforms and restrict the use of VPNs, claiming that these measures were part of an attempt to suppress free speech and limit communication.

“X [formerly Twitter] was blocked, and now even VPN access is being restricted. People are being denied the right to access information, and Pakistan has lost billions due to these internet shutdowns. It’s a direct assault on the rights of people,” he deplored.

The PTI founder accused the authorities of targeting his supporters through illegal detentions. “Earlier, they kidnapped people in the name of terrorism. Now, they do it under the guise of national security, picking up political workers instead of terrorists,” he lamented.

“Instead of negotiations, we see arrests of our workers. The PML-N’s refusal to hold elections [to the Punjab Assembly] until [then-CJP Umar Ata] Bandial leaves is a violation of the Constitution,” he argued, accusing the government of disregarding the country’s laws.

Mr Khan emphasised the role of foreign powers in Pakistan’s internal affairs, asserting that statements from foreign governments were not an interference but a reflection of their policies._Agencies.