Aleema Khan questions PTI’s September Islamabad long march call

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has questioned the party’s decision to schedule a long march toward Islamabad on September 27, following the announcement by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

According to reports, Aleema Khan expressed confusion over why the protest date was announced several weeks in advance, saying she did not understand the reason behind setting the schedule so far ahead.

“They are making Imran Khan wait. We do not understand this call,” she said while reacting to the planned demonstration, questioning the delay in finalising the date for the Islamabad march.

Her remarks came a day after CM Sohail Afridi announced the protest during a public gathering held to mark three years since Imran Khan’s imprisonment.

Addressing party supporters, Afridi said PTI would move toward Islamabad on September 27 if legal proceedings involving Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were not conducted on merit and restrictions on meetings with lawyers, family members, and political figures were not removed.

The rally was attended by a large number of PTI supporters, while party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and provincial president MNA Junaid Akbar Khan also addressed the gathering.

During his speech, Afridi claimed that Imran Khan could be released quickly if courts independently decided his cases on merit. He warned that PTI would proceed with the planned march if the party’s demands for justice were not addressed.

PTI has since formally announced preparations for the September 27 long march, describing it as a major political campaign. Party sources said the early announcement was aimed at providing enough time to organise supporters nationwide.

The party is also reportedly planning a fundraising campaign to manage expenses related to transport, accommodation for workers, and legal support. Sources said contributions would be collected from party members, lawmakers, and supporters inside and outside the country.

PTI is also preparing a dedicated legal assistance team to support workers in case of arrests during the protest campaign.

The planned march comes as PTI faces organisational and financial challenges while attempting to mobilise supporters for what party leaders describe as a crucial stage of their political movement.

Meanwhile, Aleema Khan’s comments have highlighted concerns within PTI over the timing and strategy of announcing the protest date.