PTI decides to postpone Sept 27 Islamabad long march

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's leadership has announced a postponement of their planned long march in Islamabad, originally set for September 27. This decision was made by the party's leadership on Friday to extend the march by over a week. The original protest was intended to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently held in custody at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

Speaking to Dawn, a senior PTI source confirmed the march would now depart from Peshawar on October 4. The source also revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would officially announce the postponement. The PTI claims they have already achieved their objectives through the march, stating that the federal government and law enforcement agencies have already restricted movement by closing down roads and channels.

When asked about their intention to march alongside the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), which had postponed its own protest due to the premier's request, the source emphasized that the PTI can organize the march independently. This decision comes after a PTI leader previously suggested that the protest could be delayed if the federal government promised to hold elections within six to eight months, release Imran Khan and other political detainees, and investigate the May 9 and November 26 crackdowns on the opposition party.

Despite these conditions, party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram denied any such proposal was under discussion, stating that only Imran Khan could make such a decision. Preparations for security and emergency management have been ongoing in the Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad, with Punjab imposing a 13-day ban on gatherings and a Section 144 order for two months.

The Punjab government has also requested the interior ministry to downplay mobile and internet services in selected areas in Rawalpindi and Attock on September 27. The federal government has approved the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and several Punjab districts from September 20 to October 5, stating that the troops have the authority to respond to threats or violent activities as per the rules and regulations.