Imran Khan's PTI postpones Islamabad rally to September
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by imprisoned former Premier Imran Khan, has decided to postpone its planned rally in Islamabad, initially set for Thursday, until next month. The decision came after the government refused to grant permission for the demonstration, heightening tensions in the capital.
PTI leader Azam Swati announced the new date for the rally, which will now be held on September 8, following a meeting with Khan outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. "The rally has been rescheduled to September 8, as per Imran Khan’s instructions," Swati stated. He also mentioned that the government had agreed to the new date. Khan had reportedly advised his supporters, who had already started heading to the rally location, to return home.
The decision to postpone the rally followed a tense standoff between PTI and government authorities. The government had revoked the party's no-objection certificate (NOC) for the rally at the last moment, citing security concerns. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa suspended the NOC, which had originally been issued on July 31, stating that the current situation was too unsafe for the event to proceed.
In response to concerns over potential violence, and after PTI initially insisted on continuing with the rally, authorities ordered the closure of all private and public schools in the federal area. Additionally, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province, which will be in effect from Thursday to Saturday.
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