Whether PTIleadership will succeed in bringing out a massive crowd on October 4

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the largest opposition party in Punjab. However, whenever the party calls for a major protest or long march, the biggest questions are raised about Punjab: Why do the party’s provincial assembly members and other key leaders fail to participate actively in protests and long marches? More than 100 PTI members are currently part of the Punjab Assembly. Despite the party issuing calls for protests several times, these lawmakers have not been able to mobilize large numbers of people from the province for demonstrations.

A majority of these lawmakers contested the February 8 elections as independents, without the PTI’s electoral symbol, and won largely on the basis of Imran Khan’s popularity. In addition, hundreds of former ticket holders and district office-bearers remain associated with the party. However, after the new date of October 4 was announced for the long march from Peshawar to Islamabad, reports emerged that several lawmakers had gone into hiding. The initial call for the long march was for September 27. However, on September 25, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced at a press conference in Peshawar that, following a unanimous decision by the political committee, the long march would now depart from Peshawar on October 4.

Earlier, in mid-September, a separate protest plan had also been outlined for Punjab. Under the plan, Lahore’s Mall Road and Faisalabad were designated as the main gathering points for September 27. PTI members from Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal and Pakpattan were expected to gather at these locations, while workers from southern Punjab were proposed to travel to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House. However, no clear plan has now emerged regarding a protest or long march in Punjab. According to party sources, the reason workers have not come out in large numbers from Punjab is not cowardice but administrative pressure. The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province ahead of the march, restricting rallies, processions and large gatherings. Sources also say that Rangers have been deployed in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, with security measures particularly tightened in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. Containers have also been placed on the Attock Bridge, the GT Road and motorways.

In the second week of September, lists containing the names of hundreds of workers from northern Punjab also emerged. Dozens of people were arrested in Rawalpindi and transferred to Adiala Jail, while orders were also issued for their 30-day detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO). Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Nooreen Niazi and Dr. Uzma, were also detained in Lahore under 3-MPO and are being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail for 30 days.

According to PTI sources, the party’s lawmakers in Punjab are currently facing significant pressure. Sources say lawmakers also lack the financial resources required to bring workers to the protests, while there are concerns about possible arrests. According to the sources, following the November 26 protest, Punjab’s leaders and workers are unwilling to become part of any long march or protest movement. Cases of various kinds have been registered against several workers and leaders, leading them to fear that police could arrest them if they leave their homes.

PTI sources say there appears to be little likelihood that lawmakers, workers and leaders from Punjab will travel to participate in the October 4 long march. The party had instructed each leader to bring 30 workers to Islamabad. However, under the current circumstances, the instruction does not appear likely to be implemented. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court heard a petition filed by PTI Punjab Assembly members Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood and Chaudhry Ijaz Shafi, challenging the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. The petitioners’ lawyer, Azhar Siddique, argued that provisions of the law violate fundamental rights to freedom and freedom of movement and that the law is being used for political detention. According to PTI sources, unless the Lahore High Court provides clear relief, it will not be possible for elected members to openly participate in protest activities.

PTI sources also say that there are various groups within the party, resulting in the leadership and lawmakers not appearing to be on the same page. Sources say that when the long march was announced for September 27, Punjab’s leaders and lawmakers had also raised various questions about the march. However, instead of addressing their concerns, the party leadership simply informed them of its predetermined plan. According to the sources, Punjab lawmakers also remain unconvinced about the new October 4 date for the long march, and concerns over the decision continue to exist within the party.