Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif asserted on Sunday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) postponed its August 22 rally in Islamabad due to “fear of rejection” from the public. The Imran Khan-led party rescheduled the gathering to September 8 after the local administration revoked the no-objection certificate (NOC) and sealed roads leading to Islamabad.
Asif criticized PTI’s decision, suggesting that if the rally were expected to be successful, it would not have been canceled. He dismissed claims of establishment interference, accusing PTI of trying to create a “false narrative” to salvage its waning popularity. Asif also noted internal discord within PTI, citing conflicting statements from key figures including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan, and Raoof Hasan.
Aleema Khan has voiced doubts about the current PTI leadership’s commitment to securing the release of the former prime minister, Imran Khan, who was ousted through a parliamentary vote in April 2022. Meanwhile, Asif criticized PTI for its alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, where military installations were attacked following Khan’s arrest. He referred to videos capturing PTI leaders’ participation in the riots.
Regarding Imran Khan’s meetings with Swati in Adiala jail, Asif remarked that all prison conversations are recorded and cannot remain confidential. He emphasized that the government is focused on defending Pakistan’s national interests amid foreign agendas.
Asif also criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, comparing him unfavorably to former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and alleging governance failures in the KP province.
In response to questions about U.S. politics, Asif downplayed its significance for Pakistan’s future, asserting that Pakistan must shape its own destiny.
PTI Cancels Another Rally
In a series of setbacks, PTI has now canceled its August 27 rally in Lahore, following the postponement of its Islamabad event. PTI Secretary of Information for Punjab, Shaukat Mahmood Basra, announced that a new date for the Lahore rally would be announced after the September 8 event in Islamabad. This decision is seen as another blow to PTI’s political standing, which has faced difficulties in organizing its events.
Party Reconciliation Efforts
PTI has also formed a reconciliation committee headed by former President Dr. Arif Alvi to address internal issues. The committee aims to resolve party disputes and improve internal relations.
Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, visited Peshawar and Mardan to meet families of PTI workers who have been imprisoned. She plans to launch a campaign to secure her brother’s release with the support of PTI members.
In response to rumors of discord between Aleema Khan and Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif dismissed the reports as disinformation spread by the current government. He asserted that PTI remains united under Imran Khan’s leadership and accused the government of spreading propaganda. Saif also pointed out internal strife within the Sharif family, with factions within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vying for control.
