RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appears to have reversed its decision to hold a public rally in Rawalpindi. Following instructions from its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, the party has opted to organize a demonstration instead on September 28, as reported by The News on Friday.
During a press briefing at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, Khan announced that PTI would replace the planned rally with a protest. The party had submitted a request to the city’s administration earlier in the week to hold the rally, but Khan indicated they would also withdraw their application for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench.
In recent months, PTI has struggled to secure permissions for public gatherings, managing to hold two rallies in Islamabad and Lahore under stringent conditions imposed by local authorities. The Lahore rally on September 21 ended abruptly when police intervened, shutting off the microphone and lights after the event exceeded the 6 PM deadline outlined in the NOC.
Following that gathering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced future rallies in Mianwali and Rawalpindi, prompting an application to the deputy commissioner for permission to hold events at either Liaquat Bagh or Bhatta Chowk.
Prior to this, PTI organized a rally in the capital, where clashes occurred between party workers and police, leading to the arrests of several lawmakers for allegedly violating public-gathering laws.
In his remarks from jail, Khan dismissed claims by PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan that the opposition was willing to negotiate with the establishment. He stated there was no benefit in such discussions, reiterating his stance that the party would not engage in talks with anyone.
Additionally, Special Judge Central (SJC) Shahrukh Arjumand has set October 2 for the indictment of Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the new Toshakhana case.
During a recent court session, the defence team completed its arguments for bail, while the prosecution requested more time, which was met with resistance. Khan and Bushra addressed the court directly, with Khan asserting that his wife was innocent and highlighting his harsh prison conditions.
Despite the defence’s appeal, the court granted the prosecution additional time, adjourning the hearing until September 28.
