Imran Khan says rally postponed over “potential chaos”

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan explained on Friday that the PTI August 22 power show in Tarnol, Islamabad, was postponed due to expected violence. During unofficial media talk inside the Adiala Jail’s courtroom, Khan said he rescheduled the demonstration after meeting with Azam Swati and Barrister Gohar Ali to prevent a repeat of the May 9 tragedy, adding, “I was informed about possible violence at the rally.”

Imran Khan claimed that the current administration is trying to extend CJP Isa’s tenure and tamper with the seniority system for the selection of the next chief judge of Pakistan.

When asked about remarks made by the security services over his desire for an open trial, Imran Khan further added that it is his right to ask for an open trial for former ISI chief Faiz Hameed since he is the leader of the biggest political party in the country.

It is noteworthy that the Islamabad administration revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the PTI public rally one day earlier. The PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, announced that Imran Khan, the party’s founder, has decided to postpone the rally to September 8, the date on which the deputy commissioner allowed to organize public gatherings.

The decision was taken in an intelligence committee meeting chaired by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad. The district officials said that religious organizations have also given a call for demonstrations, and authorities cannot give permission for a public gathering under such circumstances.