ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned Islamabad long march until October 5, according to party sources.
The PTI senior leadership had announced last month that it would march to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on September 27 to press for the release of party founder Imran Khan.
After Consultations on whether to proceed with the march on the previously announced date of September 27, the decision was taken by the party’s political committee.
A majority of the leadership had opted holding the march as scheduled; however, the committee ultimately agreed to defer it until October 4, sources said.
According to sources, the decision will be formally announced following Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas are taken into confidence.
Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab
In light of the potential long march and other protests in Islamabad, Preparations in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital territory to maintain security and deal with any emergency situation have been in full swing.
A ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for two months. Punjab also has already imposed a ban on gatherings for 13 days and prohibited inciting people to “unlawful assembly”.
Achakzai, PTI differ over Sept 27 Islamabad march
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a telephonic conversation with Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance, TTAP, and sought his guidance about the long march.
Afridi told the TTAP chief that PTI leaders were of the view that the long march should be postponed.
Achakzai, however, told CM Afridi that the September 27 long march call should remain in place, the sources added.
Achakzai said a decision on the September 27 action plan would be made after further consultations.
Tarar challenges PTI over planned Islamabad long march
Reacting on development, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar slammed the KP government, accusing it of avoiding taking steps to maintain law and order.
“If PTI has the courage, come and hold a sit-in [in Islamabad]. If you have the courage, come and hold a long march,” Tarar added.
The information minister said political parties in KP had all faced attacks by terrorists, alleging that the PTI did not condemn such attacks.
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