Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has issued a fresh message for his supporters calling upon them to prepare themselves for the September 27 protest march and not ot backdown under any circumstances.
According to journalist Shakir Awan, Imran Khan has reportedly retained the final authority over the party’s planned September 27 protest call.
In a post on social media, Awan claimed that Imran Khan had conveyed a clear message that the September 27 call would not be withdrawn regardless of any developments concerning his imprisonment.
PTI is planning to hold a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, for the supremacy of the Constitution and for the release Imran Khan
According to the journalist, Imran Khan has conveyed to KP CM Sohail Afridi that whether he is shifted to a hospital or not, the planned protest would continue.
Awan further claimed that even if authorities announce Imran Khan’s release, the September 27 call would remain in place unless the PTI founder himself issues fresh instructions to withdraw it.
“Whether I am shifted to a hospital or not, even if my release is announced, the September 27 call will not be withdrawn,” Awan quoted Imran Khan as conveying.
It means that all the powerful circles will hold talks with Imran Khan on this matter and meet him. If the government is involved, it will also be told the same thing: the final decision will come from Adiala Jail, according to the journalist.
The reported message also contained instructions for PTI supporters participating in the protest. According to Awan, Imran Khan has directed supporters not to leave or return home until they receive a message directly from him.
The statement suggests that the final decision on ending or continuing the September 27 protest would rest with Imran Khan rather than other party leaders.
PTI finalises plan for Islamabad march
PTI has prepared an initial plan for its September 27 march towards Islamabad.
According to Express Tribune newspaper, the party plans to start its main convoy from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while groups from southern Punjab and other parts of the country are expected to join it on the way.
PTI workers who want to become part of the main convoy have reportedly been told to reach Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at least five days before the march.
The paper said the party may keep the main convoy near the Punjab-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border for two to three days. The march towards Islamabad would begin after caravans from different areas gather at the meeting point.
The party is also planning protest activities in major cities. In Central Punjab, shutdowns are expected in Lahore, while similar protests are being planned for Karachi and Hyderabad in Sindh. In Balochistan, PTI may hold demonstrations in Quetta and on important national highways.
The proposed protest plan is also expected to be shared with other opposition parties for further discussion.
Sources said PTI has estimated the cost of the first day of the march at around Rs450 million. After that, the daily cost is expected to be about Rs14.5 million.
The party leadership has also reportedly asked for financial support from lawmakers and party representatives. According to sources, between Rs40 million and Rs50 million has been sought from each National Assembly and Provincial Assembly constituency to help fund the protest movement.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has also reportedly asked lawmakers and senior party figures to contribute financially to the planned march.