The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has decided to postpone the planned party protest movement for two weeks, citing prevailing regional tensions and the international situation evolving in the conflict in the current of Iran-Israel.
The announcement was made by PTI leader Noreen Khanum, after his meeting with former prime minister in the Adiala prison on Tuesday, said Express News.
Speaking to journalists outside the prison, he said that Khan had made the decision taking into account the “sensitive regional circumstances” and the ongoing developments in the Middle East. “We are waiting for political statements of the Prime Minister, President and Mariscal de Campo before continuing,” Khanum said.
He added that although Khan had not met anyone during the past week, he was still aware of global affairs and believed that the situation would have direct consequences for Pakistan. “The founder of PTI has asked for national unity during this critical time,” he said.
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When commenting on the federal budget, Khan described him as one adapted for the elite. “The tax burden is being fully placed in the wage class while the poor continue to suffer. Poverty is increasing and the economic situation is worsening,” he said as he said.
Khanum also said that more than 3.3 million educated people had left Pakistan in the last three years, each taking approximately $ 30,000 with them, which contributed to a significant exit of currencies.
Regarding Khyberpakhtunkhwa’s budget (KP), he said it would end only after consultations with key party figures. “Ali Amin Gandapur, Taimur Jhagra, Muzzammil Aslam and Shibli Faraz will meet Khan before the budget is approved,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the leader of PTI, Uzma Khan, said that Khan had urged the nation to concentrate on the unit and remain firm and clarifying that Gandapur had not distanced himself from the protest movement, and that PTI supporters would continue to raise their voices.
“Imran Khan has not withdrawn the support for protest, in fact, he laughed at the suggestion,” he said, added that Khan’s position on the situation in Gaza was already well known.
Uzma also criticized political leaders for remaining silent during regional conflict periods. “Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz did not speak during the India-Pakistan war. Now, the current rulers, with a mandate of only 17 seats, must clarify their position. That is their responsibility,” he said. “We are also waiting to know about the real policy formulators,” he added.
