Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised plans for a long march two weeks after Eidul Fitr, aiming to press for the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, party sources confirmed to a private media outlet’s reporter. 

Preparations are already underway, including a specially equipped container that will serve as the command and protest hub during the demonstration. The container has been fitted with modern amenities such as CCTV cameras, air-conditioning units, and speakers to help with coordination and ensure participant comfort in case of an extended sit-in.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi inspected the container, which prominently displays the slogan “Freedom or Death” on its exterior, reflecting the party’s stance ahead of the planned protest. According to PTI insiders, the march is expected to culminate at Adiala Jail, where protesters will stage a sit-in (dharna) until the party founder is released.

The announcement follows directives issued to PTI’s organisational wings and district units to prepare for the march. Party leadership has indicated that the exact date will be announced before the end of Ramazan to allow time for mobilisation.

Confirming the development, PTI Peshawar District President Irfan Saleem said the party had taken a clear decision to proceed with the protest. “Our leadership has instructed all workers to prepare for the demonstration,” he said.

“The protest will remain peaceful, and we will continue our democratic struggle. The party will announce the route, whether to Islamabad or directly to Adiala Jail, and workers will follow the instructions accordingly.”

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023.