ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned protest at D-Chowk on October 15.
The decision was made during a meeting of PTI’s political committee, which cited the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, taking place in the capital from October 15 to 16, as a key reason for the postponement.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the delay following an official communication from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on behalf of the government. He stated that the government assured that PTI founder Imran Khan would receive a medical examination and regain access to his physician. “Doctors are expected to visit Adiala Jail this morning as part of this assurance,” he added.
The SCO summit will see participation from the prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the vice president of Iran, and India’s external affairs minister.
Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed readiness to protest in Islamabad, stating, “We are coming to Islamabad tomorrow (October 15) as we always are.” He also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health, suggesting that the government’s actions were compelling the party to demonstrate for their demands.
Minister for Information Atta Tarar warned that any disruptions to the SCO Summit would not be tolerated, stating, “Those with a mindset to conspire against the country should better stay at home.” He assured that Islamabad has been secured for the arrival of foreign delegations, emphasizing that announcements of protests would not alter the situation.
