‘Imran Khan agreed to protest venue change, Bushra Bibi insisted on D-Chowk’

Khawaja Asif stated that while PTI Chairman Imran Khan had agreed to an alternative location for the protest, his wife, Bushra Bibi, insisted on continuing the march toward D-Chowk, which led to the chaotic situation.

Asif recalled that PTI workers crossed barricades and attempted to proceed to Islamabad for a sit-in protest. He praised the security forces for successfully preventing what he described as the third attack on the federal government.

However, Asif criticized PTI’s leadership for fleeing the scene when faced with resistance, stating that their actions demonstrated a lack of resolve.

Regarding the protest location, Asif claimed the government had offered PTI several alternative venues for the protest. He said that Imran Khan had agreed to one of the proposals, but Bushra Bibi’s insistence on going to D-Chowk contributed to the situation escalating.

He also mentioned that Bushra Bibi expressed concern over the large crowd, quoting her as saying, “Who will go there now?” before the protestors continued toward D-Chowk.

Asif further added that while the PTI leadership fled from the scene, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vehicle was reportedly struck by bricks during their escape.

On the issue of casualties during the protest, Asif highlighted discrepancies in PTI’s claims about the number of deaths. He referred to an initial report by PTI leader Sardar Latif Khosa, which suggested 278 fatalities, but said the figure was later revised down to single digits.

Asif questioned the lack of evidence supporting claims of mass casualties, stating that no videos, funeral footage, or statements from the families of the deceased had been presented to verify these reports.