ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he would announce the date for his anti-government long march next week on Friday.
Earlier this week, Khan said his planned long march against the government would not be delayed beyond October. The former prime minister has alleged that the ruling government conspired with the US to oust him from power via a parliamentary vote.
Both Washington and Khan's political rivals, who are now in the government, have vehemently denied the allegations.
Khan, who has won a string of by-elections over the past couple of months, has stated his intention to march to Pakistan's federal capital with thousands of supporters to force the government to announce a date for early polls.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government have repeatedly rejected Khan's demand. They have said the parliament would complete its tenure and elections would be held as per schedule next year.
"Inshallah I will announce the date for my long march on Friday," Khan, seated beside Senator Azam Khan Swati, told media. "I will announce on Friday when we plan to leave [for the march]."
The former prime minister said any efforts to arrest him by the government would prove counterproductive. "Do you think if they arrest me, will the long march not take place," he asked. "Will people remain silent?"
Khan acknowledged that backdoor negotiations between his party and the government were taking place. However, the cricketer-turned-politician said he was sure the negotiations would not prove fruitful.
Khan said the government would never announce early elections, accusing it of being afraid of heading to the ballot box in light of the recent defeat it had tasted in the by-elections.
"I have no hope of early elections [being announced]," he said.
