Former Prime Minister Imran Khan advises against talks with establishment amid ongoing legal battles
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called off its planned public rally in Rawalpindi after its jailed founder, Imran Khan, directed the party to hold a protest instead on September 28, on friday.
Speaking from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Thursday, Khan advised the party to withdraw its application for a no-objection certificate (NOC) to hold a rally and instead focus on demonstrating.
The PTI, which has been struggling to secure permissions for public gatherings, previously held rallies in Islamabad and Lahore under strict conditions set by local authorities.
The Lahore rally on September 21 was cut short by police after it exceeded the permitted time limit.
The party had submitted an application to Rawalpindi’s deputy commissioner seeking permission to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh or Bhatta Chowk, but these plans have now been scrapped.
Meanwhile, Khan dismissed claims by PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan that the party was open to negotiations with the establishment, reiterating that there would be no talks.
This stance follows clashes between PTI workers and police during a previous rally in Islamabad, leading to arrests.
In legal developments, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi face indictment in the Toshakhana case, with a court date set for October 2.
Despite Khan’s plea for his wife’s release, the court adjourned the bail hearing until September 28, granting the prosecution additional time to present its arguments.