PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad, originally scheduled for September 27, had been postponed to October 4.
In a statement, Afridi said the long march would depart from Peshawar on October 4.
He said Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been informed of the political committee’s unanimous decision.
Earlier, reports had emerged that the PTI had decided to postpone the long march to October 5.
The PTI has been preparing for a major protest and march on Islamabad, with the party demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Earlier, Afridi held a telephone conversation with Achakzai and sought his guidance regarding the planned march, according to sources.
Sources said Afridi told Achakzai that PTI leaders were of the view that the long march should be postponed. Achakzai, however, maintained that the September 27 call should remain in place, they added.
The announcement also followed earlier conflicting statements from PTI leaders. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai had denied reports that the party was calling off the march.
Speaking to Geo News, Yousafzai said no decision had been taken to call off the protest and that the party was prepared for the march. He said the party could reconsider its plan if the federal government agreed to hold talks.
Yousafzai maintained that the planned protest would remain peaceful and alleged that the federal government had violated a court decision by blocking roads with containers.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said consultations had been held over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province.
Talking to the media in Peshawar, Kundi said the Constitution provided for such a measure and confirmed that consultations had taken place.
The development came as major highways and motorways leading to Islamabad were closed or restricted ahead of the planned political demonstrations.
The federal government has also authorised Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab to assist the civil administration in maintaining public order.
Kundi alleged that PTI workers were seeking arrest and accused the provincial government of attempting to bring the police under its control.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent another letter to opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, inviting him to hold talks, according to sources.
The letter also sought a meeting between the prime minister and Achakzai and discussed appointments to the Election Commission, sources said.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed receipt of the letter, saying the government appeared to be backtracking on commitments made during previous meetings.
“We have received the letter. We expect Rana Sanaullah and others to stand by their word,” he said.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, meanwhile, challenged the PTI to stage a sit-in or hold its long march towards Islamabad.
“If PTI has the courage, come and hold a sit-in in Islamabad. If you have the courage, come and hold a long march,” Tarar said.
The information minister also accused the PTI and KP government of facilitating terrorist groups, alleging that the provincial administration had failed to adequately condemn attacks and take action against militants.
He further alleged that illegal mining was being used to finance terrorist activities.
The allegations by the government and opposition figures could not be independently verified from the statements provided.