Imran calls truce with MQM, says PTI does not want any confrontation
Says only purpose of his visit to Karachi is to end the sense of fear among Karachiites
Imran Khan along with party leaders addresses a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD SAQIB/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday welcomed Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief’s statement, assuring support for the cricketer-turned-politician to address his supporters in Karachi.
While addressing a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday night, Imran said the PTI was a peaceful party and that it did not want any form of confrontation with anyone.
“I want the [by]-election to be peaceful,” he said. “I will go to offer my prayers for MQM martyrs at Jinnah Ground.”
Imran said the only purpose of his visit to Karachi was to end a "sense of fear" among Karachiites.
Read: NA-246 by-election: Altaf says MQM will emerge as victor
“We are contesting such that the sense fear could end, from the place where it all began,” he said.
The PTI chairman said he would visit the NA-246 constituency along with his candidate, Imran Ismail, on Thursday.
“This is the time for change for the people of Karachi,” said Imran.
NA-246 should be handed over to army until April 23: PTI
When questioned whether the PTI would make an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for the forthcoming by-polls, Imran said, “Our candidate is Imran Ismail. We will having a meeting with JI, and try to convince them to back our candidate.”
Earlier, a ruckus erupted in the press conference after several journalists were allegedly manhandled by party workers.
The NA-246 seat fell vacant after Nabil Gabol, who was elected on MQM ticket in the 2013 general elections, resigned from his seat after developing differences with the party. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced to hold by-polls on April 23.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday welcomed Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief’s statement, assuring support for the cricketer-turned-politician to address his supporters in Karachi.
While addressing a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday night, Imran said the PTI was a peaceful party and that it did not want any form of confrontation with anyone.
“I want the [by]-election to be peaceful,” he said. “I will go to offer my prayers for MQM martyrs at Jinnah Ground.”
Imran said the only purpose of his visit to Karachi was to end a "sense of fear" among Karachiites.
Read: NA-246 by-election: Altaf says MQM will emerge as victor
“We are contesting such that the sense fear could end, from the place where it all began,” he said.
The PTI chairman said he would visit the NA-246 constituency along with his candidate, Imran Ismail, on Thursday.
“This is the time for change for the people of Karachi,” said Imran.
NA-246 should be handed over to army until April 23: PTI
When questioned whether the PTI would make an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for the forthcoming by-polls, Imran said, “Our candidate is Imran Ismail. We will having a meeting with JI, and try to convince them to back our candidate.”
Earlier, a ruckus erupted in the press conference after several journalists were allegedly manhandled by party workers.
The NA-246 seat fell vacant after Nabil Gabol, who was elected on MQM ticket in the 2013 general elections, resigned from his seat after developing differences with the party. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced to hold by-polls on April 23.