Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has called for a protest march towards Islamabad on September 27; however, with this announcement, the debate on political strategy within the party has also intensified.
Some of the party’s leaders living abroad have expressed reservations about the date of the march. They have also raised questions about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Some leaders alleged that there was an understanding behind postponing the protest to September 27 instead of mid-August. However, this allegation is not a proven fact but the stance of the relevant leaders.
Sohail Afridi rejected this impression. Speaking on a TV programme, he said that there is no truth in the allegations made against him.
The Chief Minister also reacted to the statements of former Special Assistant Shahbaz Gul. He said that Shahbaz Gul will have to explain or apologize for his stance soon.
Sohail Afridi also talked about Aleema Khan, the sister of the party founder. He said that efforts will be made to take him into confidence on the issue of the long march.
On the other hand, the party’s central leadership has indicated that it will continue its protest politics. Sohail Afridi and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja spoke of continuing the resistance against the government.
Salman Akram Raja also expressed concern over the lack of a meeting with the party founder. According to him, the founder’s family and lawyers are ready to organise a political press conference if permission is granted for the meeting.
The PTI leader described the founder’s health as the most important of the party’s current priorities. According to him, the series of protest political activities will be continued.
Salman Akram Raja also expressed displeasure over the low participation of party workers and leaders in the Islamabad High Court. He said that an explanation will be sought at the party level about those who were absent.
Meanwhile, security was also high around the Islamabad High Court in view of the possible protest. Prisoners’ vans reached outside the court, while Punjab and Islamabad police contingents were also present.
In the current situation, PTI faces two major challenges. On the one hand, the party has to complete its organisational preparations for the September 27 protest. On the other hand, it is also necessary to create a consensus on political strategy among various leaders.
The success of the long march will not only depend on the announcement but also on the internal unity of the party, the participation of workers and the practical strategy of the protest. That is why the September 27 call has now become a major test for the political direction of PTI.
