Urdu Report Desk
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced October 4 as the new date for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, saying the political committee has agreed that the march will depart from Peshawar on that day.
Speaking to the media, Afridi said all matters were discussed during a meeting of the political committee, which agreed to launch the long march from Peshawar on October 4.
He said the party’s struggle was aimed at restoring the Constitution and maintained that peaceful protest was an option when people were not heard. He also alleged that certain elements wanted PTI and the establishment to remain in conflict.
Containers Reported in Peshawar
Reports emerged late at night that containers had been placed at several locations in Peshawar, including in front of the provincial assembly, at around 1am.
Videos of the containers also circulated on social media, triggering speculation and rumours about possible governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Commitment to Peaceful Political Struggle
Afridi said PTI members and workers were being arrested, but stressed that the matter was a political contest and that his party was a political force.
He said PTI had previously pursued a peaceful struggle and would continue to do so. According to Afridi, the October 4 long march would also remain peaceful.
The chief minister alleged that certain elements were conspiring to separate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Pakistan and claimed that the current rulers had not come to power through a public mandate.
Criticism of the Government
Afridi alleged that certain elements wanted to keep the country entangled in problems and maintain tensions between PTI and the establishment. He also alleged that the country’s debt had reached its highest level and said those responsible were not concerned about Pakistan or its people.
He further alleged that attempts would be made to create disorder and use abusive language. Afridi called on the chief justice to take action over what he described as the closure of routes to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from different directions.
Long March Aimed at Meeting Demands
Afridi said PTI workers were ready for the long march and described the situation as a Test match, saying the party had won the toss and would decide whether to bat or bowl.
He said the long march was being held to press for the party’s demands and that he wanted the issues to be resolved through dialogue. He claimed that public anger and resentment were particularly high this time.
October 5 to Be Observed as Youm-e-Fatah
Sohail Afridi said those who come out on October 4 would not be under anyone’s control and would not return without having their demands met.
He said participants would be on the same container on October 4 as part of the party’s political strategy.
Afridi added that October 5 is the birthday of the PTI founder and said the day would be observed as Youm-e-Fatah.
