Imran Khan postpones protest movement amid regional tensions

Party founder delayed protest due to “sensitive regional circumstances” and Mideast tensions, says PTI’s Noreen Khanum

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Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has decided to postpone the party’s planned protest movement for two weeks, citing prevailing regional tensions and the evolving international situation amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

The announcement was made by PTI leader Noreen Khanum following her meeting with the incarcerated former prime minister at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Express News reported.

Speaking to reporters outside the prison, she said Khan had taken the decision keeping in view the “sensitive regional circumstances” and ongoing developments in the Middle East. “We are awaiting policy statements from the prime minister, president and field marshal before proceeding further,” Khanum stated.

She added that although Khan had not met anyone over the past week, he remained aware of global affairs and believed the situation would have direct consequences for Pakistan. “The PTI founder has called for national unity during this critical time,” she said.

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Commenting on the federal budget, Khan reportedly described it as one tailored for the elite. “The burden of taxation is being placed entirely on the salaried class while the poor continue to suffer. Poverty is rising and the economic situation is worsening,” she quoted him as saying.

Khanum further said that more than 3.3 million educated individuals had left Pakistan over the past three years, each taking an estimated $30,000 with them — contributing to a significant outflow of foreign exchange.

Regarding the KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P) budget, she said it would be finalised only after consultations with key party figures. “Ali Amin Gandapur, Taimur Jhagra, Muzzammil Aslam and Shibli Faraz will meet Khan before the budget is passed,” she added.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Uzma Khan said Khan had urged the nation to focus on unity and remain steadfast while clarifying that Gandapur had not distanced himself from the protest movement, and that PTI supporters globally would continue to raise their voices.

“Imran Khan has not withdrawn support for the protest — in fact, he laughed at the suggestion,” she said, adding that Khan’s position on the situation in Gaza was already well known.

Uzma also criticised political leaders for remaining silent during periods of regional conflict. “Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz did not speak out during the India-Pakistan war. Now, the current rulers — with a mandate of just 17 seats — must clarify their position. That is their responsibility,” she said. “We are also waiting to hear from the real policymakers,” she added.