PTI to finalise capital march strategy

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to consult lawmakers, announce protest plan at press conference today

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has convened a meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and party office-bearers in Peshawar today (Monday) to finalise the strategy for the September 27 Islamabad long march, after which he is expected to announce the schedule for the planned protest.

PTI has announced a march on Islamabad on September 27 to demand the release of its founding chairman, Imran Khan. The party has referred to the planned protest as the "March in Phases".

Sources said the PTI leadership had prepared several plans for the September 27 protest and would finalise the course of action after consultations with members of the provincial assembly and party leaders.

According to the sources, all PTI lawmakers and party office-bearers have been asked to attend the consultative meeting at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar at 2pm.

The meeting is expected to discuss arrangements for the Islamabad march, participation from different districts and the role of party workers and lawmakers.

The chief minister is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Chief Minister's House at 5:30pm, during which he is expected to announce the final plan and schedule for the September 27 protest.

Meanwhile, the PTI leadership has reportedly advised its members of the provincial assembly against leaving K-P ahead of the protest amid concerns over possible arrests.

Party sources said PTI lawmakers had been instructed to avoid travelling outside the province before September 27. The decision was reportedly taken in view of the possibility of arrests of party leaders and workers in Punjab ahead of the planned Islamabad protest.

The sources said PTI leaders from Punjab could also seek refuge in K-P if arrests intensify in the province. Invitations have reportedly been extended to senior PTI leaders from Punjab to travel to K-P before the protest.

The development comes after the reported arrest of Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, which has heightened concerns within the PTI leadership over possible action against its leaders and workers.

Party leaders are now focusing on consolidating their organisational arrangements in K-P and ensuring the participation of lawmakers and workers in the September 27 protest.

The final decisions regarding the route, mobilisation and other arrangements for the Islamabad march are expected to be announced by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at his scheduled press conference later today.

Lawmakers have been assigned to mobilize maximum number of party workers and supporters to make the Islamabad march a real success. Workers have also been asked to carry food, water and mattresses with them and come fully prepeared.