Rawalpindi: PTI founder Imran Khan has revealed that he was informed in jail that holding the Islamabad rally could lead to chaos in the country, which led to the decision to postpone the event.
In an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan explained that the Islamabad rally was postponed due to concerns related to the sensitive issue of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (Finality of Prophethood). He was informed that religious parties were protesting in Islamabad over this matter, raising fears of unrest. He stated that had the rally taken place, it could have led to a repeat of the events of May 9th, and the judicial inquiry into the previous incident still hasn’t been conducted.
Imran Khan warned that if the rally is disrupted again despite permission, the government will bear full responsibility. He emphasized that the credibility of the court is now at stake, as the court must decide whether to grant permission or let the administration cancel it. Khan also mentioned that he has instructed the party not to tolerate any obstacles on September 8th, and that this would be the last time the rally is postponed.
When asked about a trial related to General (R) Faiz, Imran Khan responded that he, as the leader of the largest party in the country, has every right to call for an open trial. He refuted the accusations of conspiring with Faiz regarding the events of May 9th, insisting that if Faiz was involved, an open trial should be conducted. He asserted that the issue is neither a military matter nor an international secret.
Khan also touched on the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, arguing that had its recommendations been implemented, democracy would have been firmly established in the country, avoiding multiple martial laws and the current undeclared martial law. He stressed that the events of May 9th were an attack on democracy and that he demands a commission to prevent such mistakes from being repeated in the future.
Imran Khan refused to answer a journalist’s question about how Azam Swati was able to send a message in the middle of the night, Khan instead smiled, suggesting that the matter be left alone.
Regarding an audio clip of his sister where she claimed that the decision to postpone the rally was made by party leaders in his name, Imran Khan acknowledged that there was widespread anger and frustration within the party over the postponement. He admitted that the rally should not have been postponed but stated that it was done to avoid unrest. Moving forward, he declared that rallies would be held in every district, regardless of the circumstances.
When asked whether the federal government or someone else delivered the message in jail that the situation outside would deteriorate, Imran Khan denied having any conversation with the government regarding Form 47. He pointed out that whenever there is speculation about PTI’s communication with the establishment, May 9th is brought up as a reminder.
Imran Khan also commented on Nawaz Sharif, stating that he is ready to return to London with a packed backpack, claiming that the ongoing situation is related to the potential extension of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure. He warned that if they fail to extend Faez Isa’s term, they might attempt to influence seniority and bring in their own candidate, which would not be acceptable. He vowed that any such move would be met with strong protests across the country.
In response to a question about rumors of a meeting with “angels” (a euphemism for the establishment) the previous night, Imran Khan said that whenever there is panic in the PML-N, it indicates that they fear PTI has had contact with the establishment. However, he reiterated that he did not discuss the rally with any government representatives, and the decision to postpone it was made due to concerns about potential unrest.
Imran Khan also remarked that the judiciary’s credibility is now at stake, as the court must decide whether to allow the rally while the administration cancels the NOC. He criticized the fact that PTI is the only party in the country that is not being granted permission to hold a rally in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, after a year, Imran Khan was finally provided with an electric toothbrush and books. During today’s hearing, he appeared smiling, content, and in good spirits.
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