November 01, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned 'lockdown' of the federal capital on November 2.
During his address in Bani Gala, PTI chief Imran Khan told party workers to go home rest and reach Parade Ground tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 PM where Youm-e-Tashakur (day of thanks) would be celebrated.
“We will gather one million people in Parade Ground tomorrow,” Khan said.
Khan stated that the protest had been called off as the Supreme Court had started investigation of Panama Leaks.
The PTI chief praised the Supreme Court for summoning a reply from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 3.
“I am glad the Supreme Court has directed the prime minister to present himself for accountability,” Khan said.
The PTI chief paid tribute to party workers, especially Pervaiz Khattak and his team.
PTI had announced that it will ‘lockdown’ Islamabad on November 2 to pressurize the prime minister to hold himself accountable for alleged offshore accounts owned by his family named in the Panama Papers.
The Islamabad High Court in its decision last week asked the PTI to keep the sit-in at a designated area and not block state machinery. However, the PTI remained adamant over staging the sit-in.
Other parties including the Pakistan People's Party which initially formed joint opposition with the PTI had asked it to wait for the Supreme Court hearing.
Imran Khan sounded like a defeated captain
Raliways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said PTI chairman Imran Khan sounded like a defeated captain.
“Imran should first prove himself to be trustworthy,” Rafique said while speaking to Geo News.
According to Rafique, the PML-N was evaluating what Imran Khan had said as he could not be trusted.
“We were heading towards what the Supreme Court did today,” Rafique said.
The federal minister added that if Imran Khan wants to go to Parade Ground he should contact Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
Govt orders removal of containers
Following the PTI’s announcement, the government has ordered the removal of containers blocking streets in Islamabad.
The containers had been placed throughout the city in light of the PTI lockdown.
Imran, Nawaz agree to formation of commission
During proceedings of the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan agreed to the formation of a commission to probe Panama Leaks.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has asked parties in the Panama Leaks case to submit the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the formation of the commission on November 3 when hearing of the case resumes.
Reactions on social media
U-turn Khan
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) November 1, 2016
My prediction of plea bargain between PTI & Govt through bargain via back door channels has come true resulting Darana into Tushuker
— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) November 1, 2016
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has spoken for rule of law over agitation just as we always did ... God bless Pakistan! -ss
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 1, 2016
Another assault on the country comes to a naught. I hope against hope that those beating a hasty retreat will learn from the embarrassment.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) November 1, 2016
Let this be on record that it was the Prime Minister who requested the honourable Supreme Court for a commission on 22nd April, 2016.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) November 1, 2016