Imran Khan to announce date for long march next week

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will announce the date for long march next week to press for early polls in the country.

“I will announce the date of the long march on either Thursday or Friday,” Khan said at a press conference along with Senator Azam Swati, who was granted bail in a case about his controversial tweet against Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“We are the specialist of marches. We have experience.”

Khan was disqualified on Friday by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from holding public office after finding he had unlawfully sold state gifts and concealed assets as premier. The gifts included Rolex watches, a ring, and a pair of cuff links.

PTI chief challenged the election commission ruling in the Islamabad High Court.

The announcement by the commission came as Khan has been rallying supporters against the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and calling for early elections.

Khan said the march would be peaceful. “In my party’s 26-year history, we have done everything peacefully. Families will also participate. We will not let any violence take place.”

The PTI chief, however, warned that if the government attempted to stop his ‘organised protest’ then it will result into chaos.

PM Sharif, in a news conference in the eastern city of Lahore on Saturday, called Khan a “certified thief” in reference to the election commission’s decision against him and said the government will not let his supporters storm the capital.

Sharif blamed Khan for dividing the nation through unjustified rallies, harassment, abusive language and blame game and compromised Pakistan’s dignity and respect in the world.