ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan, while speaking to senior journalists and anchor persons here today, made it clear that he would not resign insinuating that Azadi March being orchestrated by JUI-F’s President Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman had a specific agenda.
Stating that his government was ready to hold serious talks with the opposition, Imran Khan categorically rejected the demand of the JUI-F and the Rahbar Committee regarding his resignation: “I don’t understand what Maulana’s problem is…I don’t understand the agenda of the opposition.” He went on to say that the opposition had only only issue and that was NRO.
Imran Khan pointed out that at first, India was against maulanas but now, they were celebrating at the idea of Fazl’s protest: “Look at how the Indian media is celebrating Maulana Fazl’s protest.” Claiming that Azadi March was distracting the world from the Kashmir Issue, Imran Khan held that Azadi March/Dharna would benefit the enemies.
Maintaining that there was a difference between 2014 dharna of PTI and Maulana’s Azadi March Imran Khan claimed that he had proof of rigging in four constituencies.
He said that though the charter of demands of the Marchers was not clear yet they were being allowed to carry the March on. But he warned that the March should be peaceful and within the limits of law.
PM said that he would bring the country out of present predicament. He said that a battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran could be dangerous for Pakistan too and he wanted to bring Saudi and Irani FM’s to the negotiation table in Pakistan.
A relevant piece published earlier:
PTI-Govt Allows Azadi March
ISLAMABAD: Following the remarks by Courts apropos the legality of political protests and sit-ins in a democracy, PTI Government had allowed the Azadi March here as long as the manifestation remains peaceful.
According to the statement issued by PM’s Office:“It was decided that the Government, with its firm belief in upholding democratic ideals, would allow the proposed Azadi March, if it takes place within the ambit of law and the Constitution as interpreted in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Islamabad High Court.”
While the PM Office maintained that the Imran Khan believed in democracy and the protesters would be able to manifest as long as the everyday life of citizens was not adversely affected, as outlined by past judgments of the SC and IHC.
It is pertinent to mention here that while PM Office was issuing its note apropos grant of Azadi March permission, Islamabad police was issuing riot gear and mobilizing containers to cordon off sensitive areas of the capital city to prevent protesters from marching on to the Red Zone.
Azadi Marchers asked to carry 5-day ration
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) has instructed the participants of Azadi March, scheduled to commence on 27th of this month, and Dharna (Sit-in) to be staged here from 31st of Oct, to carry rations for 5 days.
Prohibiting carrying of weapons, knives, batons etc. JUI-F has directed its workers to come prepared for at-least one-week-long sit-in and bring with them two sets of clothing, blankets, bed-sheets, umbrellas, mobile phone chargers, water bottles, dry fruits etc.
Since would-be marchers have been asked to carry their NIC with them, it seems no less than 18-year-old is joining the Azadi March and Sit-in. Moreover, the instructions regarding bringing a copy of Holy Quran and course books – “to avoid wastage of time” – manifests that JUI-F is all set to mobilise pupils studying its Madrassas all over the country.
A senior journalist, who has reported religious parties (mazhabi jamatain) for two decades, insinuated that JUI-F followers were hundred percent Pathans. If that is the case than the Azadi March will be an all-Pathan anti-PTI-government march if other parties, particularly PPP-P and PML-N fails to show-up.
Marchers have been instructed to remain peaceful and ask their co-marchers to remain peaceful. The would-be marchers have been directed not to cause damage to and public or private property during the March.
While arrangement of (one-way) transport has been asked for, in order to remove obstacles placed by government to stop the marchers, each district-level group of marchers are asked to move with a crane and an ambulance to provide medical assistance if needed.
News Pakistan
