ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated public gathering, originally slated to take place at Islamabad’s Parade Ground on April 6.
In a statement posted on X, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed on Wednesday that this decision was made in consideration of Laylat-ul-Qadr, the blessed night Muslims seek during the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.
Additionally, Khan urged supporters to pray for the release and safety of all party workers and leaders, including PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi.
Last month, PTI had declared plans for a large-scale event at Parade Ground to advocate for the release of the party founder, who has been in custody since August last year on various charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed authorities in the federal capital to grant permission for the public gathering.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC emphasized on March 27 that "One’s right of assembly cannot be taken away" while addressing PTI's petition seeking court approval for the rally in Islamabad.
The decision to cancel the event comes two days after PTI received significant relief from the court, as the IHC suspended sentences for Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated on Monday that the appeal against the conviction would be scheduled for a hearing after Eid holidays. In January, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir sentenced Khan and Bushra to 14 years in prison with rigorous punishment in the Toshakhana reference.
The judge also disqualified the former prime minister for 10 years and imposed a fine of Rs1.57 billion, Rs787 million each, on the couple.
