The inside story of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) so-called "friendly protest" has emerged, revealing a scene more theatrical than tactical. According to informed sources, PTI’s Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) refused to vacate the Parliament building even after the session had officially ended.
According to 24NewsHD TV channel, despite clear instructions and the clock ticking past the agreed exit time of 2 PM, the MNAs remained seated in the Parliament lobby. In a behind-the-scenes meeting with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, PTI lawmakers reportedly sought protection from arrest.
“You will not be arrested from within the premises,” the Speaker assured them, according to sources. The MNAs, however, took it a step further, demanding that an alternative gate be opened so they could exit without encountering law enforcement officers stationed outside.
In a rare show of accommodation, the Speaker agreed and had the gate opened but even then, the PTI members refused to leave the premises voluntarily.
With police and FC personnel already present outside as part of standard protocol, the scene turned into a waiting game. Meanwhile, PTI allies Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Salman Akram Raja, frustrated by the delay and indecisiveness, reportedly left for Adiala Jail on their own.
Adding to the confusion, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was conspicuously absent from Parliament altogether, raising eyebrows within party ranks. Sources say the protest lacked a clear, unified strategy — turning what was meant to be a strong political statement into an awkward, disjointed display.
Insiders describe the entire episode as symbolic at best, and a missed opportunity at worst — more posturing than protest.