Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The PTI has decided to organise a major power show in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa later this month after postponing its planned April 9 rally in Rawalpindi.
The decision follows a meeting between Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, and the PTI founder at Adiala Jail on April 8, the first substantive interaction after nearly three months.
During the session, Imran Khan directed the party to postpone the Rawalpindi gathering in view of the sensitive US-Iran talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasizing the need to support Pakistan’s diplomatic peace efforts.
While addressing a news conference in Peshawar on Thursday, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi praised Imran Khan’s decision saying, despite all the oppression, coercion, and fascism, Imran Khan canceled his rally for the sake of Pakistan’s reputation.
What could be a greater display of patriotism than this? In the past, whenever any political party faced tough times, they orchestrated scandals like Dawn Leaks and Memogate.
CM Afridi announced that Imran Khan has directed the party to hold a major public rally within the next ten days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Insha’Allah, all the leadership and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will ensure the implementation of this directive and organize a large and impactful gathering,” he said.
He added that he would meet the grand alliance TTAP leadership later and finalize the location and date for the rally within a day or two.
Afridi further disclosed receiving a direct message from Imran Khan, which emphasized that political decisions should be made through mutual consensus and that consultations should be held with Mahmood Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas on this matter.
Afridi stated that Imran Khan has been consistently advocating since 2002 that Pakistan should play a proactive role in promoting peace. He claimed that the founder’s long-standing 2002 peace policy is now being implemented and has received appreciation from the international community. He stressed that the country belongs to everyone, it is not the property of the founder of PTI or any single party.
On Imran Khan’s health, the chief minister revealed that the PTI founder was suffering from a serious eye condition. He questioned why proper treatment is not being carried out at Al-Shifa Hospital and why it cannot take place in the presence of his family. “Imran Khan has the full right that his treatment should be done wherever his sisters desire,” Afridi said.
On Afghanistan-related issues, Afridi said that engagement and negotiations could lead to positive outcomes. He reiterated that individuals harming Pakistan must be removed, while Afghan refugees would be repatriated with respect and dignity in line with national policy.
He also complained of continuous false propaganda against the PTI government and called for criticism to be constructive and aimed at reform.
