Rawalpindi, June 17, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to postpone his planned nationwide protest movement by two weeks in view of escalating global tensions, particularly following the Iran-Israel conflict.
The announcement was conveyed by his sister Noreen Niazi during an interaction with journalists outside Central Jail Adiala, where Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023.
“Given the current international situation, Imran Khan has chosen to delay the movement,” Noreen said. “He believes the country needs unity during these challenging times.” She added that Khan was fully aware of global developments and had urged for national cohesion in the face of mounting regional instability.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician remains behind bars facing multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism, stemming from a series of cases filed after his ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence motion in April 2022.
Last month, Imran Khan had announced that he would lead a “decisive” protest campaign from prison against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government. Quoting the incarcerated leader, PTI Senator Ali Zafar said the movement was intended to be a turning point in the party’s struggle.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Uzma Khan, who also met with Khan in jail on Tuesday, stated that his stance on international issues, including Israel, was already well known on the global stage.
The PTI and the federal government had previously engaged in dialogue last year to bridge political differences. However, talks broke down after PTI withdrew, citing the non-formation of judicial commissions to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26, 2023, despite three rounds of meetings.
More recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated a call for national dialogue in his speech to the National Assembly, urging PTI to rejoin efforts aimed at political reconciliation — an offer the government has extended multiple times.
