Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan is reportedly upset at his party’s leaders for failing to mobilise large crowds for their long march on Wednesday, which was abruptly called off by Khan a day after it started.
Geo TV journalist Shahzeb Khanzada revealed on his show that the party chief was unhappy with the low numbers that showed up at the PTI’s planned sit-in on May 25, as he had expected large masses of people to show up, as they had done at the time of his ouster and during his other rallies.
He blamed party leaders for not bringing in the numbers, and was particularly vexed at the low mobilization from Punjab, where the party holds 83 and 158 seats in the National and Provincial Assemblies respectively.
Khan was also vexed over the lack of political action in Sindh and Rawalpindi, as well as the fact that even some prominent party leaders were missing at the long-march.
The PTI leaders however, argue that they were not given enough time to prepare, saying that previously Khan had been stating the date of the long-march could fall any day between May 25 and 29, and fixing the earliest possible date was unwise as it did not afford time for logistical preparations regarding to food and housing.
They claimed that Khan was too confident about the ‘sea of people’ that would sweep away the capital and was not ready to listen to anyone, apart from a few senior politicians.
The leaders were also displeased with the 6-day ultimatum Khan issued the government, questioning if worker turnout was low before, how would it be any different in six days?
Meanwhile, Khanzada said that PTI supporters were also displeased at Khan calling off the long march so abruptly and not staging a sit-in despite his claims.
The crowd of million plus was not visible due to heavy clouds of tear gas. Shireen Mazari has provided photographic evidence.