Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that he decided to postpone the Islamabad rally due to concerns over potential clashes related to the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat issue. In an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Khan stated that religious groups were protesting in Islamabad, raising fears of unrest.
Khan emphasized that postponing the rally was necessary to avoid a repeat of the May 9 incident, for which a judicial inquiry is still pending. He warned that if the rally had gone ahead, it could have escalated into another crisis.
Addressing the possibility of future protests, Imran Khan instructed his party not to tolerate any obstacles on September 8 and stated that the decision to hold the rally was final. He expressed frustration over the delay in the judicial inquiry into the May 9 event and indicated that the party would decide its next steps based on the Supreme Court’s decision.
Khan also responded to questions about his demand for an open trial of General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, stating that as the leader of the largest party in the country, he has the right to advocate for transparency. He denied any conspiracy with Faiz regarding the May 9 incident and called for an open trial to clear the air.
He further criticized the government for recalling the May 9 incident whenever there were rumors of PTI engaging in talks with the establishment, insisting that his party had not communicated with any government officials about the rally.
Regarding Nawaz Sharif, Khan hinted at possible political maneuvers involving the Chief Justice’s extension, warning of nationwide protests if such plans proceed.
Despite the postponement, Khan assured his followers that rallies would continue across every district in Pakistan, vowing not to back down. He appeared in good spirits during the day’s hearing, having recently received an electric toothbrush and books after a year in detention.
