SHANGLA: Local leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Shangla have reaffirmed the party’s decision to participate in the September 27 protest march towards Islamabad, saying they intend to raise what they describe as legitimate political and constitutional demands through a democratic and peaceful process.
The leaders also called for the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and demanded that he be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
The Supreme Court had ordered authorities in August to shift Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. On September 16, the court said the August 18 directive remained in force amid proceedings concerning its implementation.
The PTI leaders said the party’s September 27 mobilisation was intended as a political protest and urged the federal government to respect what they described as the electoral mandate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These views were expressed by PTI Shangla President Liakat Yousafzai, former National Assembly candidate and Bisham Mayor Haji Sadeed-ur-Rehman, senior party leaders Fawad Ali Noor and Waqar Ahmad Khan, and others while addressing a joining ceremony at the Shangla Press Club in Alpuri on Friday.
During the event, several local political figures and their supporters announced their departure from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other parties and joined PTI. The new entrants also expressed confidence in the leadership of Shaukat Yousafzai.
The speakers credited Yousafzai with development projects in Shangla and said his tenure had contributed to a new phase of development in the district. They said projects including efforts related to establishing a university had influenced their decision to join PTI.
Among those who announced their affiliation with PTI were Muhammad Iqbal Khan, president of PML-N Pagorai, along with Gul Hamraiz and Fazal Amin. From the PPP, Muhammad Afsar, Zahir Shah, Allah Dada and Najeeb, among others, also joined the party.
The new entrants said they were particularly concerned about Imran Khan’s legal cases and health. They called for the resolution of what they described as politically motivated cases against the PTI founder and demanded his release.
PTI leaders also highlighted inflation, rising fuel prices and unemployment, saying these issues were increasing economic pressure on ordinary citizens.
They said the party wanted greater development in backward areas such as Shangla and maintained that continued political support for PTI was linked to development work carried out in the district.
At the ceremony, PTI leaders welcomed the new members by presenting them with party caps and scarves. They assured the newcomers of respect and cooperation in addressing their legitimate concerns.
Later, a meeting was held at the DEDAC Office to review preparations for the September 27 Islamabad protest. Participants discussed convoy departures, proposed routes and other arrangements, with party workers and leaders from across the district taking part.
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai separately said on September 24 that the party had finalised its strategy for the march and instructed participants to remain peaceful and not carry sticks, slingshots or weapons.
In a video message, Shaukat Yousafzai also discussed preparations for the September 27 programme and congratulated the people who had recently joined PTI.