During a crucial meeting with his party leaders at Adiayla Jail on September 30, 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a powerful declaration, aptly titled “Imran Khan’s Leadership Ultimatum.” He called for supporters to stage an unyielding protest at D-Chowk, underlining that they must ensure the protest reaches its destination, regardless of any challenges or delays. “The protest must reach D-Chowk next Friday, even if it takes two days. Khan stated with determination, “The time for revolution is upon us,” signalling his readiness to push forward with the movement at any cost.
Discontent Over Postponed Protest in Rawalpindi
Azam Swati, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), began the briefing by informing Khan of a protest led by lawyers outside the Supreme Court the previous Friday. Swati had spearheaded the demonstration, which had gained significant traction. Additionally, Khan acknowledged the importance of this protest, stating that he had read about it in the newspaper. However, his mood quickly soured when, unfortunately, the discussion turned to the postponed protest in Rawalpindi. Despite party worker’s strong resistance, they delayed the protest; consequently, Khan felt that this decision was a major misstep.
“The workers were out there, resisting and facing tear gas shells, and yet the leadership postponed the protest despite the strength of the movement,” Khan remarked with visible frustration. “We should have reached Rawalpindi no matter what. I am ready to sacrifice myself in jail if necessary, but the people have made their decision—they stand with me. Now it’s time for the leadership to make theirs. I can no longer have cowardly individuals standing alongside me,” he warned.
Imran Khan’s Leadership Ultimatum to PTI
During the conversation, Imran Khan demanded to know who had made the decision to delay the protest in Rawalpindi. Azam Swati revealed that Barrister Gohar, who at the time held the position of PTI Chairman, was responsible for calling off the protest. Upon hearing this, Khan’s anger intensified. He immediately called for Barrister Gohar’s removal from his leadership role, declaring that while Gohar was a good individual, he lacked the courage needed for the current political climate.
“Barrister Gohar is a good man, but in these times, good is not enough. He lacks the resolve and bravery required to lead us through this revolution. He must be dismissed,” Khan insisted, leaving no room for doubt about his stance.
Rallying the Leadership for Unwavering Commitment
Azam Swati attempted to defend the decision, explaining that the protest had been successful, with people resisting until the evening. But Khan was unimpressed and questioned why a successful protest would be postponed in the first place. “If the protest was that successful, why was it halted? We can’t afford such hesitations now,” Khan shot back, growing increasingly impatient with his leadership team’s perceived lack of resolve.
He made it clear that the time for excuses had passed. In no uncertain terms, Khan delivered his ultimatum to his party leaders: they would either stand firm and continue to fight alongside him, or they would have to step aside. “I, along with my people, will stand against this oppression. Those who are afraid should leave. I have no use for cowards in this movement,” he stated firmly, drawing a clear line between those who were committed to the cause and those who lacked the courage to face the challenges ahead.
Seizing Critical Moments
Khan further expressed his disappointment in certain members of the leadership who had failed to capitalize on key moments that could have shifted the momentum in their favour. He singled out Ali Amin Gandapur, noting that had Gandapur reached Liaquat Bagh, he could have risen to greatness as a leader within the movement. “If Gandapur had reached Liaquat Bagh, he would have become a great leader,” Khan said. “But this is where we are now. There is no longer any misunderstanding between me and the people. The public has already made its decision; now it’s time for the leadership to make theirs. If anyone in the leadership cannot fully commit to this cause, they should leave.”
Khan’s message was crystal clear: there would be no room for hesitation, fear, or half-hearted efforts in the fight ahead. The time for action had arrived, and only those with unwavering resolve would continue to have a place in the PTI’s leadership as they pursued what Khan viewed as a revolutionary struggle.
