LOWER DIR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan has reiterated that the party will hold a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, saying workers will continue the protest until their demands, including the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, are addressed.
Speaking at a PTI youth workers’ convention at Timergara Rest House, Junaid Akbar criticised the state of democratic and judicial institutions and alleged that the country’s political system was being controlled by the establishment. He also criticised the role of what he described as “Form 47” in determining the country’s political leadership.
The convention was organised to mobilise PTI workers for the party’s planned September 27 march. PTI has publicly announced the date for the Islamabad protest, while the Islamabad High Court has issued directions concerning the planned demonstration, including that government machinery must not be used for political protests and that public roads and citizens’ freedom of movement must be protected.
PTI leaders criticise political and economic conditions
Other PTI leaders attending the convention criticised inflation, rising petroleum and electricity prices and what they described as political and constitutional problems in the country.
Speakers included PTI Lower Dir President Dr Shah Khalid, General Secretary Asif Iqbal Sadat, Insaf Youth Wing Lower Dir President Syed Obaid Jan, MNA Syed Mehboob Shah, MNA and PTI Malakand Division President Sahibzada Sibghatullah, MPAs Malik Shafiullah Khan, Obaidur Rehman, Malik Humayun Khan and Azam Khan, as well as other party representatives.
The speakers also alleged that political institutions had been weakened and expressed criticism of the treatment of PTI leaders and the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. These statements reflect the PTI leaders’ positions and allegations.
September 27 march already announced
PTI announced September 27 as the date for a long march towards Islamabad earlier this year, with the party saying the protest would seek the release of Imran Khan and address what it describes as constitutional and democratic concerns.
The planned march has also become the subject of legal proceedings. The Islamabad High Court recently directed provincial governments to ensure that state resources and government employees are not used for the protest, while also instructing authorities to protect citizens’ constitutional rights and freedom of movement.
At the Timergara convention, Junaid Akbar said the upcoming movement should be conducted with planning and discipline rather than emotion. He described it as a “battle of nerves” and said PTI workers would continue preparations for the September 27 mobilisation.