Show of strength: PTI prepares to flex political muscle

Show expected to draw 150,000 people.

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry said on Friday that the party would organise the biggest show of strength at the Azadi March over the weekend.

He said PTI activists had been instructed to join its demonstration in Islamabad. Chaudhry said the party expected 150,000 people to gather at the Constitution Avenue on Saturday and Sunday. He said the PTI would continue the sit-in beyond the weekend. Chaudhry said the protesters represented a popular opposition to the parliament. He said each passing day raised the resolve of the protesters and reaffirmed their commitment to Khan.

Chaudhry said party officials and activists had been directed to converge at Islamabad by public and private transport. He said Khan had urged residents of the twin cities to attend the sit-in during the weekend. Chaudhry said Khan would make several important allegations over the weekend. He said the party was expecting the largest crowds from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as it was convenient for them to travel to Islamabad. Chaudhry said they were expecting big numbers from the Punjab too.

PTI Punjab Information Secretary Andleeb Abbas said the show of strength would be unprecedented in the political history of the country. She said the PTI was committed to the values of nationalism and integrity.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, PTI City President Aleem Khan said the convoy would depart from Liberty Chowk at 10am on Saturday (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2014.