Disagreements have emerged between the central and Punjab leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the protest call for August 5. Punjab’s Chief Organizer has threatened to resign if the protest is not held on the scheduled date.
According to reports, PTI’s interim chairman Barrister Gohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other central leaders are in favor of giving a final protest call within the next 90 days. However, Punjab’s Chief Organizer Alia Hamza is adamant that the final protest call should be for August 5.
Earlier reports had indicated that PTI was planning to announce nationwide protests on August 5, marking two years since the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Sources say the central and Punjab leadership of PTI have locked horns over their respective positions. Alia Hamza believes the party must stick to the August 5 protest date, and she is prepared to issue the call for protest in Punjab independently. Sources also revealed that Alia Hamza has instructed the Punjab organization and office-bearers to begin preparations for the protest.
Read Top Stories
On the other hand, Barrister Gohar, Ali Amin Gandapur, and other senior leaders are insisting on the strategy of a final call within 90 days. However, the Punjab Chief Organizer has threatened to step down if the protest does not go ahead as planned.
The central leadership has assured local office-bearers of their participation in the protest according to their wishes. PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has already announced the August 5 protest in line with a message from her brother.