Announcement of Conference
According to Dawn News, the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) has announced that it will convene a national conference later this month, promising to unveil a “national agenda.” The decision was revealed by senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group at Parliament House. The conference is scheduled for December 20–21.
Context of Rising Confrontation
The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened confrontation between PTI and state institutions. Days earlier, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry strongly criticized Imran Khan for promoting what he described as an “anti‑army narrative,” warning that such rhetoric had crossed into the realm of national security threats.
Political Crossfire
Since that statement, a fierce exchange has unfolded between PTI and the ruling PML‑N. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif argued that Imran Khan himself had used harsh language against opponents in the past, and therefore PTI had no grounds to object to the military’s remarks. PTI leaders, however, condemned the ISPR comments as “ridiculous,” insisting that their founder was not a security threat but a political leader being unfairly targeted.
Restrictions and Street Protests
Meanwhile, PTI has faced increasing restrictions in meeting its incarcerated founder. Earlier in the day, authorities used water cannons to disperse protesters including Imran Khan’s sisters staging a sit‑in outside Adiala Jail after being denied access to meet him. These confrontations have further deepened the sense of repression felt by the party’s supporters.
PTI’s Framing of the Conference
Asad Qaiser explained that the conference would serve as a platform for the Tehreek‑i‑Tahafuz‑i‑Ayin‑i‑Pakistan (TTAP) to bring together political parties, bar associations, civil society, and media stakeholders. He argued that Pakistan is facing serious instability, declining commercial activity, and tense borders, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to him, multinational companies have been leaving the country, and TTAP is the only forum that can send a message of streamlining and propose solutions.
Broader Political Deadlock
The PTI has repeatedly warned that excluding Imran Khan from politics will weaken the democratic system. Barrister Gohar recently extended an olive branch, calling for softer tones to break the deadlock. Yet, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has categorically stated that no negotiations will be held with PTI involving Imran Khan, and any talks would only occur in parliament without him.
Political Implications
Since Imran Khan’s imprisonment in multiple cases, PTI’s relationship with both the government and the establishment has deteriorated sharply. Protests have frequently escalated into violence, while the party insists that its upcoming conference will chart a way forward for Pakistan’s political and economic crises.