In an unusual move, Islamabad police on October 29 barred hotel and guest house participants from providing accommodation in the federal capital. Long March led by former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan To force the government to announce the date of the general election early.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), in its notification dated October 28, has also directed television channels not to telecast live speeches and long marches of PTI leaders.
PEMRA said it was observed during a speech that “statements against state institutions were broadcast live” in violation of the code of conduct and court orders. It warned that non-compliance would lead to legal action, suspension and cancellation of license.
The long march, known as the ‘Haqiki Azadi March’, began on the afternoon of October 28 from the Liberty Chowk area of Lahore and the participants moved slowly as their Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party marched to Ichhra, Mojang, Power show was organized in Data. Sahib and Azadi Chowk areas of Lahore.
March stopped at Data Darbar last night and will resume his journey on October 29.
It is planning to organize a large protest rally to travel on the historic GT Road and reach Islamabad on November 4, which may turn into a dharna.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan (centre) gestures to his supporters at a rally in Lahore, Pakistan, October 28, 2022. photo credit: AP
Mr Khan has said that while no one can stop PTI’s long march, his supporters should wait for his next decision when he reaches Islamabad.
In a video tweeted by TODAY TV, he told a journalist, “What will happen when we reach Islamabad, you have to wait what I decide after reaching Islamabad.”
According to the organisers, on the second day the convoy will proceed to Kamoke via Muridke, where the PTI president is expected to address his supporters.
The rally will then proceed to Gujranwala city where Mr. Khan will address a public meeting.
From Gujranwala the rally will proceed to Sialkot via Daska and Sambrial and will end at Wazirabad for overnight stay.
As per the long journey schedule, the next morning, the convoy will head to Gujarat, the home town of Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who will receive it. Mr. Khan will address a public meeting there.
Convoys from the north and south of Punjab will also join the long march to the capital city in Rawat, a suburb of Islamabad.
Islamabad police have barred hotels and guest houses in the federal capital from providing accommodation to march participants.
This instruction has come along with an official notification released by the police. It states that hotels and guest houses will be checked daily. Those who do not comply will face strict action.
According to Mr Khan, 70, the aim of the protest was to achieve real independence by forcing the government to announce mid-term elections. He promised to remain peaceful and away from high-security red zones housing state buildings and embassies. But many doubt his announcements because of his U-turn history.
Mr Khan has sought permission to hold the rally in Islamabad, which was yet to be granted as the capital administration sought an explanation from PTI leaders on the violation of terms and conditions during his last public meeting in Islamabad on May 25.
The government also asked the party to specify the venues for its gathering and the administration at the time of calling off the protest, the likely number of participants and the exact route through which the participants of the long march would enter Islamabad. Notify administration.
The government has put in place elaborate security measures to deal with the situation as there are apprehensions that violence could erupt if the marchers were forcibly stopped from entering the city.
Police and paramilitary forces will be present to handle the situation. Regular soldiers will be available when the situation is out of control.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Jio TV, Mr Khan said that he can say a lot, but he does not want any harm to join the army.
“I want our army to be a strong institution and do no harm. I want to say a lot and can say a lot, but I do not want the enemies of Pakistan to take advantage of this [of it], I don’t want to say anything that will cause any harm to the army.
He also said that the nation is united and has decided not to accept the “robbers who were inflicted on them through a foreign conspiracy”.
“And as this march moves towards Islamabad, it will become clear to everyone where the country stands – they want free and fair elections and will not accept these robbers under any circumstances,” he said.
In a separate interview to Dunya News TV, he said that PTI’s demand is for early elections.
“We don’t want interference” [by the Army]We want elections,” replied Mr. Khan.
Responding to a question about the dharna, he said the party has just begun.