Imran Khan refuses to attend India conclave in Salman Rushdie's presence

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has refused to attend the India Today Conclave in New Delhi after learning about British author Salman Rushdie’s participation. In a statement released by senior PTI leader Shireen Mazari, Khan cancelled his participation as a key note speaker at the conclave stating that he could not even think of participating in a program that included Rushdie, who has caused “immeasurable hurt to Muslims across the globe”. Quoting Khan, Mazari said that the party leader received the full program of the conclave last night and made his final decision early this morning. Khan has expressed regrets to the organisers of the program. The organisers of the event announced on Tuesday that Rushdie will speak at the conference on a speech titled “The Liberty Verses – I am What I am and That’s All That I am”. Rushdie’s 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses” is still banned in India for allegedly blaspheming Muslims. Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor and US former diplomat Henry Kissinger are also due to speak during the two-day event at the luxury Taj Palace hotel.