PTI launches special squad for November 24 protest

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership has launched the special squad for the planned protest in Islamabad on November 24.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has termed the squad “Jihadi Squad” in a recent meeting arranged at the Chief Minister’s House to prepare for the protest announced. Sources told Geo News the PTI Youth Wing in every district would ensure 250 members to the squad. Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan and Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will lead the squad.

The PTI workers in the squad will be at the forefront in case shelling is resorted against the protesters as equipment had been provided to them.

Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Communication and Works Sohail Afridi defended the name “Jihadi Squad” but said they considered challenging the oppression as Jihad. “The KP youth will actively take part in this “Jihad,” he hoped, adding peaceful resistance to oppression was a “Jihad”. The special assistant said he would stay put during the protest along with other party workers.

Meanwhile, the provincial government set up a Monitoring Cell in the Rescue 1122 Headquarters for the November 24 protest. The cell will monitor the preparations being made by the party leaders for the protest. The sources told Geo News over 20 PTI members from the Youth Wing, Women Wing and other wings were present in the Monitoring Cell, set up in the government-owned building. The Monitoring Cell had started preparing the lists of the party workers. It will remain active even on the day of the protest — November 24.

The convoys of workers headed by the party lawmakers would be especially monitored. The cell will keep in contact with the leaders heading the convoys.

When contacted, the Rescue 1122 officials confirmed the development. However, they said some PTI workers had come to the office who needed the premises and they were allowed. The officials said the PTI members would leave the Rescue 1122 office soon.