Rally postponed to avoid 'chaos': Imran

RAWALPINDI:

Founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has clarified that he had not held discussions with the government regarding the Islamabad rally, and maintained that while in jail he was informed that holding the rally could "lead to nationwide chaos," which ultimately prompted his decision to cancel it.

On Thursday, the PTI announced the postponement of its planned rally in Islamabad's Tarnol Chowk until September 8.

In an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Friday, the former PM explained that the rally, initially planned around the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat issue, was postponed after he was advised that it could escalate tensions.

He stated, "I was told that the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is a sensitive matter, with religious groups already protesting in Islamabad".

He explained that "fearing unrest," the party decided to call off the rally.

"If we had proceeded with the event, there was a risk of a repeat of the May 9 events, and the previous judicial inquiry into May 9 hasn't been conducted yet."

Imran issued a stern warning, stating, "If you grant permission and then attempt to stop the rally, the government will be fully responsible". "This time, it's a matter of the judiciary's credibility—whether the court grants us permission or the administration cancels it."

Imran stated that he had directed the party not to tolerate any obstacles on September 8.

He mentioned that the Islamabad rally had been postponed for the last time. He added that the party leadership had been instructed to meet before September 8 to decide when to protest if the Supreme Court's decision was not implemented.

The PTI founder also warned that if anyone tried to stop them, "this time, they would not back down".

When asked about the trial of General (retd) Faiz, and the response from the other side questioning who Imran Khan is to demand an open trial, Khan responded, "I am head of the country's largest party, and I'm calling for an open trial. You are making a grave accusation that Faiz and I conspired on May 9."

"I started my party from scratch and have struggled within the constitutional framework for 28 years. If Faiz was involved on May 9, then conduct an open trial. "This is not a military or secret international issue."

When questioned about Senator Azam Swati, Khan smiled and declined to comment.

Yesterday, Aleema Khan questioned why Azam Swati, a PTI leader, visited Imran Khan early in the morning and who instructed him to deliver the message about the rally postponement.

She expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such a meeting at 7:30 am at Adiala Jail and alleged that the decision to cancel the rally was made under pressure from the establishment.

When questioned about an audio clip of his sister claiming that Imran had not ordered the rally's cancellation, but party leaders were using his name to justify the decision, Khan acknowledged, "The entire party is upset and angry about the rally being cancelled".

"I, too, believe that the rally should not have been postponed; it should have taken place".