PTI calls for Islamabad protest on Sept 27, directs Punjab lawmakers to mobilise workers

The reported financial directive forms part of a wider mobilisation effort ahead of the Islamabad demonstration.

The party has also instructed its organisational structure in Punjab to activate workers and prepare for their movement depending on the political and security situation closer to the protest date, the sources said., lawmakers and workers belonging to 10 districts of central Punjab are expected to assemble in Lahore.

A subsequent decision would determine whether they stage their protest in the provincial capital or proceed towards Islamabad. Party lawmakers and activists from other districts of Punjab are expected to travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of the mobilisation plan, sources said.

PTI representatives and workers from southern Punjab have meanwhile been directed to reach Peshawar a day before the planned protest,. The arrangements indicate that the party is preparing different mobilisation routes rather than relying exclusively on direct movement towards the federal capital.

Sources also said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s planned visit to Punjab had been postponed because of preparations for the Sept. 27 protest. PTI leaders in central Punjab said preparations for the protest were already under way.

They also alleged that police were conducting raids on the residences of party workers and leaders. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the alleged raids in the information available, nor was an official response from Punjab police cited.

The planned protest comes as PTI continues efforts to mobilise its supporters through its organisational networks in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The extent of participation and final movement plan are expected to depend on decisions taken by the party leadership as the protest date approaches.

The reported direction to lawmakers to arrange funds is also likely to place greater responsibility on elected representatives for logistical preparations and mobilisation of supporters in their respective constituencies. The party’s strategy of assembling different groups in Lahore and Peshawar could allow its leadership to adjust its plans.

Any movement towards Islamabad would, however, remain subject to applicable laws, administrative arrangements and decisions by the relevant authorities concerning public gatherings and security.