Party sources say march will culminate at Adiala Jail where sit-in will continue until founder is released
PTI rally. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised plans for a long march two weeks after Eidul Fitr to press for the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan.
Party sources confirmed to this reporter that preparations are underway, including the readiness of a specially equipped container that will serve as a command and protest hub during the demonstration. The container has been fitted with modern amenities such as CCTV cameras, air-conditioning units, and speakers to facilitate coordination and ensure participant comfort amid what could be an extended sit-in.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi inspected the container, which prominently displays the slogan “Freedom or Death” on its exterior, underscoring the movement’s resolve. According to PTI insiders, the march will culminate at Adiala Jail, where protesters will stage a sit-in (dharna) until the party founder is freed.
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The announcement follows directives issued to PTI’s organisational wings and district units to gear up for the protest. Party leadership has indicated that the exact date for the long march will be declared before the end of Ramazan to allow ample time for mobilisation.
Confirming the development, PTI Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem stated that the party has unequivocally decided to launch the protest march. “Our leadership has instructed all workers to prepare for the demonstration,” he said.
“The protest will remain peaceful, and we will continue our democratic struggle. The party will announce the route, whether to Islamabad or directly to Adiala Jail, and workers will follow the instructions accordingly.”
Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023.
A day earlier, the PTI observed a province-wide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the capital Peshawar, to protest alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024, general elections. The strike produced a mixture of large-scale mobilisation in some urban centres and limited disruption in others, with business activity continuing in many areas.
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In the provincial capital, PTI workers staged protests and enforced stoppages on several major roads and highways. Public transport services were suspended in parts of the city, although the government-run Bus Rapid Transit service remained operational. Taxi services were also reported to be functional in various areas.
In Islamabad, business activities and public services continued as usual, with the Capital Development Authority proceeding with its weekly Sunday bazaars as scheduled. Although public life remained operational, the Islamabad district administration took precautionary measures by suspending metro bus services, anticipating potential protests.
This decision, however, caused inconvenience to some commuters. Despite PTI’s announcement to observe February 8 as a “Black Day,” transport terminals remained open, and traffic flowed normally across major roads in the city.
Police personnel were deployed along key highways, and Safe City cameras monitored important routes, including Faizabad, Club Road, and Srinagar Highway. Authorities reported no incidents of road blockades, and mobile police squads were active throughout the day to ensure law and order.
