PTI march aims to reach Imran Khan, not secure release, Sohail Afridi says

Speaking in an interview with private media, Afridi said he would personally lead the march and stressed that it would not be a one-day activity. He indicated

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march planned for September 27 will focus on reaching party founder Imran Khan rather than demanding his immediate release.

Speaking in an interview with private media, Afridi said he would personally lead the march and stressed that it would not be a one-day activity. He indicated that the participants would remain engaged in the movement rather than simply travelling to Islamabad and returning.

Afridi said the decision to launch the march was taken after consultations with PTI leadership and representatives of the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan. He added that Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, would also participate in the campaign.

Explaining the objective of the protest, the chief minister said the immediate goal was to gain access to Imran Khan, while any decision regarding his release would have to be made in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Afridi also addressed questions about announcing the march several weeks in advance. He said September 27 was selected after considering weather conditions and allowing sufficient time for preparations.

The announcement comes as PTI continues to mobilise its supporters around the issue of Imran Khan’s imprisonment, with the party seeking greater political and legal pressure over his continued detention.