Imran in Karachi after two years
KARACHI - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan has
arrived here on Sunday after two years amid tight security.
His party activists who had gathered at the airport to receive him
couldn’t observe discipline and pushed each other to have a glance
at their party chief. As a result, Imran Khan couldn’t talk to
electronic media and reporters who tried their best to air his
feelings. However, many PTI members showered rose petals on Imran
Khan to express their love and respect.
Speaking at a Press conference at PTI Karachi office, Imran said
that an impartial inquiry should be conducted into May 12, 2007
mayhem, adding that more than 50 innocent people had lost their
lives in the sad incident.
“Karachi is mini Pakistan, and I am glad to be here. It is the
fundamental right of every citizen to visit any part of the
country,” he added.
To a question, he commented that there was no possibility of martial
law in Pakistan but he was not in a position to say that the
government would complete its tenure.
He also expressed his dismay over displacement of nearly one million
people from Swat during ongoing military offensive against the
militants. He also begged a pardon at the mismanagement by the PTI
activists at the airport. Khan expressed his gratitude to the Sindh
government to provide him with security.
About his meeting with Mumtaz Bhutto, he said that the two sides
would discuss a joint strategy.
Punjab government did not allowed him to fly to Karachi from Lahore
when he had earlier tried to reach Karachi, as Sindh government had
imposed Section 144 and banned all rallies including those announced
by the coalition partners.
There were reports that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had asked
the chief minister Sindh to lift the ban on Imran Khan’s entry.
Sindh government had clarified that Imran’s entry wasn’t banned but
the rally was banned.
Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza said that earlier, Imran Khan was
arriving in a situation that was different from the previous one.
“So he is coming and Sindh government has made foolproof
arrangements for his visit,” he added.
As per schedule, Imran Khan will be the guest of Mumtaz Bhutto at a
lunch party and will also address ‘Meet the Press’ programme at
Karachi Press Club.
The Nation:May 11, 2009
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