Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set a condition to withdraw its protest slated for October 15. However, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has dismissed this proposal from the party founded by Imran Khan.
The PTI’s request to reschedule its rally coincided with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit planned in Islamabad on the same dates. In response, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, on the program “Naya Pakistan,” suggested a brief meeting with Khan could resolve the issue. “If his sisters and doctors confirm his well-being, the protest will be cancelled,” Akram proposed.
He emphasized the need for this meeting due to concerns about Khan’s health and criticized the authorities for limiting access to the former prime minister. Despite internal debates within PTI regarding the rally, Akram clarified that the party leadership remains unified in its stance.
Contrary to PTI’s unity, reports of disagreements among its members surfaced, with figures like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur opposing the rally. In contrast, others like Hammad Azhar supported it. The party has also formally requested the Ministry of Interior to facilitate a meeting with Khan, noting their last interaction occurred on October 3.
In a dismissive tone, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry labelled Khan “the most privileged prisoner in history,” pointing out his regular meetings to counter PTI’s claims of restricted access. Chaudhry criticized PTI’s use of the SCO summit as a pretext, underlining the event’s importance to Pakistan’s economy and future. He also accused PTI of attempting to blackmail the government and doubted their resolve to protest, describing them as lacking the necessary courage.
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