Urdu Report Desk
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Political Committee has decided to postpone the party’s planned long march to Islamabad, which was scheduled for September 27.
According to the committee, the final decision on when to hold the long march will be taken after consultations with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas. Recent reports also indicate that October 5 has emerged as a proposed new date.
Final Date to Be Decided After Consultations
The political committee said the final decision regarding the long march would be made in light of the directions and consultations with the two opposition leaders.
The committee also said that the party would continue its efforts and would not give up, stating, “We have to tire them out, not get tired ourselves.”
The committee proposed that the long march could begin on any day between September 27 and October 5.
Security Preparations Intensified
The decision comes as authorities have stepped up security arrangements in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab ahead of the planned PTI protest.
The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and various Punjab districts. According to an Interior Ministry notification, the deployment has been authorised from September 20 to October 5.
Containers and Road Blockades
Authorities have placed large shipping containers at key roads and routes leading towards Islamabad as part of security measures. Reports have also said that containers have been joined together to strengthen the roadblocks, while metal spikes have been installed at some locations to prevent vehicles from moving forward.
Police Seek Additional Funds
The federal police have also sought additional funds from the Ministry of Interior for security arrangements. The requested amount is reportedly intended to cover expenses including container rentals, accommodation and food for personnel, sandbags, tear gas and other security equipment.
Security Tightened in Rawalpindi
Security has also been tightened in Rawalpindi. Police have directed that the Faizabad travellers’ rest area, bus stands, shops and hotels remain closed until night as part of the security arrangements.
The latest developments come amid heightened preparations by authorities for the PTI protest and the party’s decision to defer the originally scheduled September 27 long march.
