Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi disclosed that the party's public gathering in Islamabad will be held as per schedule on Thursday (today) and PTI Chairman Imran will address the people. He was addressing a press conference here on Wednesday; he was flanked by PTI senior leadership, including Javed Hashmi, Asad Umar, Jahangir Tareen, Ejaz Chahudhri, Aleem Khan and Shireen Mazari.
He clarified that they have yet to decide on how the party chairman make his speech; he will either make telephonic, video or recorded speech. "It will all depend on a doctor's advice. However, based on the medical team's advice Imran Khan will not be conducting his jalsas scheduled for today. In a message to people, Imran Khan has said that he will not leave my people at this critical juncture and will not disappoint them," he added.
He thanked all political leaders for their concern and prayers for the Chairman's speedy recovery. He also thanked the people of Pakistan for their overwhelming support and well wishes for the Chairman after the unfortunate incident. "Four days before the historic polls on May 11, Imran Khan was scheduled to address a public gathering in NA-126, Ghalib Market, Lahore, when the whole nation gasped in unison when he (Khan) fell off a forklift while being raised onto stage. He suffered a fractured skull and spinal injuries and was immediately rushed Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital," he added.
Qureshi reassured the media that the party Chairman is stable, healthy and in high spirits. He saluted the zeal and determination of the party leader saying that in spite of his condition Khan is emotionally charged and has instructed all party candidates to continue with their campaign activities. He added that Khan's relentless campaigning for a 'New Pakistan' has sparked hope among his supporters that the people of Pakistan will definitely vote for change.
Reiterating Khan's yesterday's message for the nation, he stated that Imran Khan has done whatever he could for this country and now it is the constitutional duty and right of the people of Pakistan to come out and vote on May 11. He said the nation is witness to the fact that Imran Khan has never relied on the candidates for his vote but only relied on PTI's vision and ideology and that it is now our mission to carry it forward and continue with all efforts possible only to end politics of personalities and communities. On the occasion, he requested the nation to pray for Khan's speedy recovery.