On November 25-26, Islamabad witnessed chaos as around 10,000 PTI supporters defied a government ban, leading to violent clashes. According to Reuters, nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested, five security personnel lost their lives, and 22 police vehicles were set ablaze.

The protesters demanded the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners” and sought to repeal a constitutional amendment that boosts the government's power over judicial appointments in political cases.

Despite Khan urging supporters to “fight to the end,” PTI called off the protests after three days, citing "government brutality." Was this a strategic retreat or symbolic messaging? Did it achieve the desired impact or fall short of Khan’s vision?

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has unexpectedly emerged in the spotlight. Some say her involvement in party affairs is deepening PTI's internal divisions and that Khan downplayed her role, claiming she merely conveyed his messages. But could there be more to the story? If Khan is displeased with her influence, what’s driving his unease?

Listen in!

Also, listen to our episode on Hindus in Bangladesh here: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/geetas-world/hindus-in-bangladesh-are-attacks-on-minorities-political-or-communal-or-both-geetas-world-ep-110-1123934-2024-11-20

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat

Chapters:

(1:37) — Introduction

(3:56) — Demands of PTI supporters

(11:37) — Army's brutal usage of live rounds

(16:30) — What did the protest achieve?

(23:54) — Bushra Bibi's role

(29:35) — Sectarian violence