By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has postponed a planned rally in Islamabad until Sept. 8, after the capital’s administration revoked permission for the event, citing security concerns and inadequate resources.
Khan, who is currently imprisoned, instructed the postponement to avoid a “clash” with state institutions, according to PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur. “Our leader Imran Khan has instructed to postpone the rally that we were planning in [Islamabad’s] Tarnol [area],” Gandapur said in a video message. “We will now hold this public gathering in Islamabad on Sept. 8.”
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan also confirmed that the notification about the postponement had been issued, following a meeting with Khan in Adiala jail. “We postponed the jalsa following a meeting with the PTI founder in Adiala jail,” he said.
The Islamabad administration granted permission for the rescheduled rally, revoking its earlier ban. “The Islamabad administration revoked the NOC due to protests of the religious parties. The administration would provide security for the September 8 gathering,” a notification said.
Police sealed off major entry and exit points of Islamabad on Thursday, including key arteries and thoroughfares after PTI vowed to hold the protest despite the revocation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event.
Faizabad, Double Road, and Chongi No 26 bus stop were among the areas sealed off, causing long queues of vehicles and leaving people stuck in traffic.
Security was put on high alert, with red zone areas and entry and exit points of the federal capital also sealed off, as authorities sought to prevent the protest from going ahead.
The rally, initially planned for July, aimed to pressure authorities to release Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year on multiple charges. PTI has faced difficulties holding rallies since Khan’s arrest in August last year.
The party’s struggles began after Khan’s ouster in April 2022, which he blamed on the military. PTI workers and leaders were arrested after attacking government and military installations on May 9, 2023, with many still awaiting trial. The military has initiated army court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence.
Khan remains in prison, facing new charges after previous convictions were quashed
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