'Called off Aug 22 rally at establishment's request'

Imran says PTI held Sept 8 rally after getting assurances

RAWALPINDI:

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has admitted that his planned rally on August 22 was postponed at the request of the establishment, citing concerns over potential unrest in the country.

"Azam Swati came to me at 7 am and said that the establishment sent its request to postpone the meeting for the sake of the country," Imran said during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Monday.

He added: "The establishment guaranteed that they would provide full facilities in the 8 September rally. Thus the meeting of August 22 was postponed for the sake of Pakistan.

He continued: "Swati informed me that a cricket match and a protest by religious parties were scheduled to take place simultaneously in Islamabad, which could potentially lead to widespread chaos.

Imran added that the establishment guaranteed full support for an alternate rally scheduled for September 8. "I postponed the August 22 rally for the sake of Pakistan."

However, the PTI founder claimed that containers were placed and barricades erected to stop the rally and then they were told to end the public meeting at seven o'clock.

Taking a swipe at the ruling coalition, he accused them of political persecution and alleged that schemes were being devised to undermine the judiciary.

He asserted that the coalition government wanted to protect the 'fraudulent' election, fearing exposure of his party's popularity.

He added: "The commissioner of Rawalpindi had said that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice joined hands to manipulate the election.

"The judicial inquiry into the May 9 incidents is also not being conducted because chief justice Qazi Faez Isa is siding with them.

"If Qazi is re-imposed, I will start the most powerful street movement in the country's history. He is one of the most partial judges in the country's history."

He went on: "Yahya Khan ruined the country and caused the deaths of thousands of people to save his seat. This is not just my opinion; it is documented in the Hamoodur Rehman Commission report.

"Even now the same is being done to save the seat. An operation was launched against a party which won 160 seats.

"It has never happened in the history of democracy to pass a law and give NRO. Cases worth billions of rupees have been waived by passing the law.

"Money laundering has been declared legal by issuing NRO through NAB amendments. Now no one can even touch them. Loans are being sanctioned."

The ex-PM claimed that during his term, the economy was growing, but the current government has damaged it. He emphasized that the rule of law is essential for attracting investment.

In response to a question, Imran dismissed suggestions that he sought legal relief for personal gain, stating that he had been offered a deal to remain silent for three years, which would have led to his cases being dropped.

"If I wanted relief, I would have fled the country," he remarked.