Salman Akram Raja announces postponing PTI protest

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has announced the postponement of the party’s scheduled protest on Friday, shifting focus to the upcoming rally in Lahore on September 21.

Speaking to the media outside the Adiala jail on Thursday, Raja emphasized that the party was concentrating on the Lahore rally, describing it as a crucial event in their campaign for the country’s future.

“We have postponed Friday’s (Sept 13) protest and are concentrating all efforts on the rally in Lahore,” Raja said. “We don’t seek confrontation, but given the current situation, confrontation seems inevitable. We are fighting for the survival of Pakistan and are against confrontational politics but we may not have a choice.”

Raja revealed that he had a detailed conversation with PTI founder Imran Khan, who voiced deep concerns over the escalating political situation. “The founder told us that the government is pressurising for constitutional amendments and that people are being abducted. Saadullah Baloch’s wife and daughter have been abducted. Without the rule of law, investment and stability are impossible, and the world now sees the reality of Pakistan,” he said, urging the public to raise their voices.

“The Constitution, law and decency no longer exist. Our MNAs are being threatened. We appeal to the judiciary to take note of the situation,” Raja added, pledging resistance at all levels.

PTI leader Muhammad Khan Bachar echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing authoritarianism in the country. “We are currently living in a fascist era. A weak permit was given for the Sangjani rally and on the night of September 9, an attack was launched on parliament. The country is being treated like it is under martial law,” he said.

Despite the increasing pressure from the government, both leaders affirmed that the Lahore rally on September 21 will go ahead as planned, with or without official permission. The event is expected to draw significant attention as the opposition party continues its struggle against the government.