Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday maintained the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing for its Sept. 27 march towards Islamabad as part of efforts to build political pressure over the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In a series of interviews with YouTubers and journalists, he said the Sept. 27 date was chosen to build momentum ahead of the march, adding it would not be a one-day activity and future plans would be shaped by the government’s response.
Afridi announced plans to march on Islamabad at a rally in Peshawar on Aug. 5, marking three years of imprisonment for Khan. During the rally, he said the party would move towards the capital if its demands for unrestricted meetings with Khan, access to his personal physician and progress in his pending court cases were not met.
Since the announcement, the chief minister has insisted the entire party is onboard with the plan, however, differences are already beginning to emerge. Several PTI leaders have reportedly expressed surprise at the date, with some elements calling for the march to take place sooner rather than the end of next month.
During his Sunday engagements, Afridi said the additional time would allow the party to mobilize and invite other political parties to join it. Reportedly, the party is hoping to unite with several opposition forces, including the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain Pakistan and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl). It is also considering reaching out to the Pakistan Peoples Party amidst its tense ties with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).
According to Afridi, the Sept. 27 protest would proceed irrespective of attempts to restrict the party’s movement, with the leadership preparing alternative strategies depending on the government’s response. He said the central demands remained Khan’s treatment and access to him for his family members, lawyers and political colleagues. He said he would not back down from the protest, but said if meetings were restored and Khan did not want the march to proceed, it could be cancelled.
The chief minister said the party’s demands are constitutional and legal rather than political concessions, arguing the former prime minister is entitled to the same rights as any other prisoner.
Khan’s health
Much of Afridi’s discussion with journalists centered on Khan’s health and ongoing restrictions on access to the PTI founder. He reiterated the party remains concerned about Khan’s eyesight and access to medical care, arguing the government should allow his personal physicians to examine him.
He also discussed the suspension and restriction of meetings with Khan, saying the issue had become particularly serious because party members could no longer maintain the level of contact previously permitted under court orders.
He also sought to dampen criticism over the Sept. 27 date from Khan’s sister, Aleema, saying he would soon contact her and convince her of the viability of the plan.
Plans for Aug. 14
Separately, the PTI has indicated it does not plan to stage any rallies on Aug. 14, Pakistan’s independence day, as it could be misconstrued as “anti-national.” Instead, it has decided to use the day’s festivities as a means to stage flag-hoisting activities and advance public outreach, especially in areas where it faces restricted movement.