PTI announces post-Eid long march for Imran Khan’s release

PESHAWAR: The long march, however, would be held two weeks after Eid- ul-Fitr, and the party has finalised its plans to seek the release of its founder and former premier, Imran Khan.

The party sources confirmed to this reporter that preparations were in top gear, including the readiness of a container that would act as a base of command and another point of protest during the rally.

The container had been fully equipped with facilities ranging from CCTV cameras to air conditioners and speakers to ensure effective coordination and participant comfort during what might be a prolonged sit-in.

The container has been visited by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and the latter has seen the prominent slogan "Freedom or Death" written on it, showing the determination of the movement.

As per reports obtained from PTI sources, the concluding point of the rally would be Adiala Jail, where the protesters would hold a sit-in until the founder of their party is released.

This announcement comes in light of directions given to the organisational fronts and districts of the PTI to gear up for the long march. The date of the protest was stated to be announced before the end of the holy month of Ramazan, so that there is enough time to mobilise for it.

Confirming this, PTI District President for Peshawar, Mr. Irfan Saleem, told the media that his party had “unequivocally decided to initiate this protest march. Our leadership has instructed all workers to prepare for the demonstration.”

“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 Khan has been serving a jail term at the Adiala Jail since August 2023 after being found guilty in a £190 million corruption scandal. Furthermore, Imran also has to face trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act with regard to the May 9 protests in the year 2023.

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