Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the planned long march to Islamabad on September 27, emphasizing a peaceful demonstration under all circumstances. The party has explicitly prohibited its workers from carrying sticks, slingshots, or any form of weapons during the protest.
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai stated that anyone found with weapons would be disassociated from the party. He highlighted that a recent party meeting finalized the march strategy, confirming that the protest will move forward as scheduled. “We will march to Islamabad and, if stopped, will stage a sit-in at that location,” he added, stressing that all participants have been instructed to maintain non-violence throughout the event.
The march aims to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and advocate for the restoration of constitutional supremacy. Meanwhile, PTI central spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed that an online meeting was held to discuss the protest strategy, with no suggestions to delay the march.
In a notable development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan condemned the use of net launchers against political activists, urging that grievances be addressed through dialogue rather than force. He emphasized that the timing was inappropriate for such measures during the long march and reaffirmed that the party’s program, announced well in advance, would proceed without alteration.
Gohar also reiterated Imran Khan’s confidence in Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, affirming Afridi’s continued leadership and full party support. Gohar recently consulted with Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to coordinate preparations and strategy for the march.
Addressing a law and order meeting in Peshawar, Chief Minister Afridi highlighted the sacrifices made by KP police and the public in combating terrorism over the past 22 years, which contributed to peace in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas between 2018 and 2022. He noted that his government had significantly increased police funding, providing an additional Rs35 billion beyond the annual budget last year and raising the total police budget from Rs80 billion to Rs190 billion this year.
Afridi mentioned that modern armoured personnel carriers intended for Islamabad had been delivered, although KP police had yet to receive such equipment for themselves. He asserted that since assuming office, he has never issued unlawful, politically motivated, or retaliatory orders to police officers, nor instructed the registration of false FIRs.
Dismissing fears about the march escalating into violence, Afridi described it as a peaceful protest, not an armed conflict or attack. He warned that if federal institutions misuse police forces for political vengeance, the provincial government would respond accordingly. “As long as the constitutional right to assembly exists, we will continue to protest,” he declared, challenging those opposing the march to first revoke this constitutional right.
Leave an opinion