Imran Khan denies any deal, says march was ended to avoid bloodshed

Peshawar: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday dispelled reports that he had struck a deal in exchange for ending the party's Azadi March to Islamabad, saying that he did so in order to avoid bloodshed, Dawn reported.

He expressed the views while addressing a press conference in Peshawar, adding that he would take to the streets again if early elections were not announced. He regretted how police officials attacked the participants of the march, blaming the government for hand-picking officers to target the PTI.

"Our workers asked why we did not stage a sit-in. I am the man who staged a sit-in for 126 days. It was not difficult for me, but by the time I reached I became aware of the extent of the situation... I knew that day that there would be bloodshed."

Imran said the people were "ready" after seeing the "terrorism" carried out through the police. "Everyone was ready to fight, some of our people were so angered by what they saw," he said, adding that officials were instructed to brutalise protesters, Dawn reported.

"The anger at the time, if I had staged a sit-in that day I can guarantee that there would have been bloodshed," he said, adding that there was a prevailing sense of hatred against police officials.

"But the police is also ours, it is not their fault," the PTI chairman said, blaming the government for issuing the directives. If there was violence then it would only have caused chaos in the country, he said.

"Do not think it was our weakness and don't think that a deal was made. I am hearing strange things that a deal was made with the establishment. I did not make a deal with anyone," he said, adding that the only motive behind his actions was concern for the country, Dawn reported.

He also made it clear that the PTI would not negotiate with or accept the "imported government".

"I think of this as a jihad. I will stand up against this as long as I am alive," he said, reiterating that he only cared about the future of the country.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad Police on Friday registered a case against senior PTI leaders, including Chairman Imran Khan, for the riots that took place in the capital during the 'Azadi March'. Apart from Khan, cases have been registered against Asad Umar, Imran Ismail, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Ali Amin Gandapur and Ali Nawaz Awan, reports Geo News.

The police registered two separate cases at the Kohsar Police Station for "rioting and arson". The first FIR was registered at the complaint of Sub-Inspector (SI) Asif Raza, while the second one was filed on behalf of SI Ghulam Sarwar. The cases have been registered against 150 people out of which 39 have been arrested.

Also read: Azadi March ends as Imran Khan gives 6-day ultimatum to announce polls

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