PTI Makes Final Decision on October 4 Long March to Islamabad, Issues Instructions

After a prolonged wait, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made a final decision to hold its long march toward Islamabad on October 4. According to media reports, the party leadership has issued instructions to all lawmakers, affiliated organizations and office-bearers to make full preparations for the march and ensure that the protest is successful. The decision was announced at a parliamentary party meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The meeting was attended by former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other senior leaders, who held detailed discussions on the strategy for the long march and the movement of participants.

The official schedule for the march will be announced on October 2. Under the planned route, the convoy will depart from Peshawar and first stop in Nowshera before proceeding to Swabi. The strategy beyond Swabi will be decided on the spot after consultation among the party leadership. The chief minister made it clear that the march would be completely peaceful. He strictly instructed workers and lawmakers not to carry sticks, slingshots or weapons during the march. He said that elements attempting to create disorder would be closely monitored. He further directed that anyone attempting to cause unrest during the march should be immediately detained and handed over to the police. The chief minister also criticized and warned some elements within the party.

Speaking about the march, he expressed his determination that it would become the largest protest in Pakistan’s history. He said he would not accept any policy that went against the interests of the province and that he could adopt a tougher stance if necessary. The party leadership has made it clear that it will not back down out of fear. Workers have been instructed to remain calm, maintain discipline and use all their efforts to ensure that the protest remains peaceful and reaches its intended destination.