Imran announces anti-corruption movement in Sindh, rally in Lahore

Published April 24, 2016
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. -AP
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. -AP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, addressing a large crowd at Islamabad's F9 park, announced the start of an anti-corruption movement in Sindh from April 26, and a rally in Lahore on May 1.

"Starting April 26, we will launch an anti-corruption movement in Sindh," announced Imran.

The PTI chairman also announced a rally in Lahore, scheduled for May 1.

"Next Sunday, we will hold a rally in Lahore, where I will announce our future course of action."

Briefly touching upon the much-hyped Raiwind march announced earlier, the PTI chairman said it would happen after the rally in Lahore, not giving a specific date.

Referring to the recently announced inquiry commission to probe Panama Papers, Imran stated that if the terms of reference of the commission are not made specific, and an international forensic firm is not called for investigation, they will again come out on the streets in agitation.

"Democracy will be strengthened when there will be free and fair elections, and will not weaken when we call for probes into corruption," said Imran referring to the premier's earlier televised address.

-DawnNews
-DawnNews

He also questioned the prime minister's absence from parliament, while giving the example of British Prime Minister David Cameron, who attended parliament and answered questions related to his involvement in offshore investments.

The chairman of PTI also expressed his sorrow at the loss of Sardar Soran Singh, a special assistant to chief minister KP on minorities’ affairs and a PTI MPA.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sardar Sooran Singh, he was very passionate and was a staunch patriot," said Imran.

Imran vowed on the occasion to give minorities equal rights and standing with in the Pakistani society.

He also asked the youth of the nation to respect women, and to protect and uphold their rights.

On the occasion of PTI's foundation day, Imran also payed tribute to the leaders who "stayed with PTI through thick and thin."

Foundation day preparations

Earlier on Sunday PTI geared up to host a 'family festival' at Fatima Jinnah Park to celebrate its 20th Foundation Day.

The gathering, was termed "the largest in the history of the country" by PTI leader Zahid Hussein Kazmi earlier in the day. The PTI had estimated attendance of 300,000 to 500,000 people at F-9 park.

─ PTI official Facebook page
─ PTI official Facebook page

Imran Khan was also expected to announce the party’s policy and future plans for a sit-in at Rawind, Kazmi said earlier.

Famous artists have also been invited to perform at the festival and a documentary "showing PTI's struggle over the last 20 years will be screened" in addition to a fireworks display, Dawn reported.

Party activists had been told to bring at least 500 people each to the park, while PTI MPAs from Islamabad and Rawalpindi had been asked to bring 5,000 people each, including women and children, a senior party leader earlier told Dawn, adding that the party wanted people to know the festival was a family event and there will be no agitation like in the 2014 sit-ins.

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