PTI puts off protest drive for two weeks

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has postponed his protest movement for two weeks in the light of ongoing global developments. This announcement was made by his sister Noreen Khanum while speaking to the media on Tuesday after meeting the former prime minister at the Adiala jail. She said it was very difficult to obtain permission for the meeting. According to her, Imran Khan is fully aware of the current international situation and believes that global events will inevitably impact Pakistan. “He emphasized that this was a time for all Pakistanis to stand united,” she said, adding that Imran Khan has decided to delay the protest movement for two weeks due to the evolving global scenario. “We are currently waiting for policy statements from the president, the prime minister and the field marshal regarding the situation,” she added and quoted Imran Khan as saying that the federal budget would be passed only after consultation with senior PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur, Taimur Jhagra, Muzzammil Aslam and Shibli Faraz. “This is a budget for the elite, while the condition of poor is worsening. The salaried class is bearing the entire burden,” she conveyed. Noreen also pointed out that 3.3 million educated Pakistanis left the country over the past three years, taking approximately $30,000 each, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign exchange. She emphasized that the KP budget would be finalized only through consensus.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s other sister Uzma Khan commented on the PTI founder’s stance on Israel. “The entire world knows what Imran Khan’s position is regarding Israel. He believes what is happening in Gaza is deeply distressing.” She said Imran Khan has called upon the Pakistani nation to unite during these critical times. Addressing recent political rumours, she clarified that Ali Amin Gandapur has not distanced himself from the protest movement. “Now that these 17-seat holders have come to power, it’s their responsibility to speak up and clarify the nation’s direction,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, the family members of Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi held separate meetings with them at Adiala jail on Tuesday. In a separate meeting, former first lady Bushra Bibi was visited by her sister-in-law Mehr-un-Nisa Ahmed.