PTI Postpones Tarnol Gathering: Imran Khan’s Involvement Questioned

Islamabad, Pakistan – The PTI’s decision to delay its August 22 gathering in Tarnol has sparked controversy within the party. Some leaders claim that Imran Khan, the party’s founder who is currently in Adiala jail, was not consulted before the postponement.

Conflicting Statements

PTI leaders Gohar Ali Khan and Azam Swati stated that the decision was made by Khan to respect the sanctity of Khatm-i-Nabuwwat (PBUH) demonstrations scheduled for the same day. However, many, including Khan’s sister, questioned this explanation.

Press Conference Outside Jail

At a press conference outside Adiala jail, Khan and Swati claimed they met Khan in the morning and he instructed them to postpone the rally. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also asserted that the cancellation was ordered by Khan, with the event now set for September 8.

Internal Disagreements

A senior PTI leader revealed that the decision was made during a Wednesday night meeting in Peshawar after the federal government canceled the event’s no-objection certificate. The KP government spokesperson, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, confirmed a meeting was held to assess the situation.

Audio Recording and Reactions

An audio recording of Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, suggested the rally was postponed without consulting Imran Khan. She accused some leaders of working for the establishment and questioned who instructed Azam Swati to meet Khan early in the morning.

Supporters’ Reactions

Mahmood Khan Achkzai, leading the PTI opposition alliance, was unaware of the postponement and found the venue empty. Hundreds of PTI workers who had traveled to Islamabad began to return. A video showed KP CM Gandapur distributing money to supporters in Swabi, while some party workers criticized the delay as a sign of PTI’s weakness. Some supporters briefly blocked the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway after discovering that party leader Sher Afzal Marwat had been detained, though he was later released.