PTI MNA Supports October 4 Islamabad Protest March
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MNA Shandana Gulzar Khan has backed the party’s plan to hold a protest march towards Islamabad, saying the demonstration is scheduled to begin on October 4 under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Shandana Gulzar was accompanied by KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Surayya Bibi and lawyer Moazam Butt.
The PTI had originally announced September 27 for the march, but the date was later changed. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi subsequently announced that the procession would depart from Peshawar on October 4.
Shandana Gulzar said the PTI intended to continue with the planned demonstration despite what she described as restrictions and pressure. She also called for the protest to remain peaceful.
The PTI lawmaker alleged that discussions about imposing emergency measures or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were linked to efforts to prevent the planned march. These claims were made by the PTI and were not independently established in the report.
She also alleged that some PTI workers, MPAs and MNAs in the province were being detained ahead of the protest and questioned the legality of such actions.
Calling for dialogue, Shandana Gulzar said the government should seek negotiations rather than confrontation. She also urged authorities to avoid the use of excessive force during political activities.
Speaking about economic conditions, she criticised the government over rising costs of essential items, including petrol, electricity and flour.
The PTI MNA also commented on remarks by party leader Shaukat Yousafzai regarding possible security threats. She said that if he had specific information, it should be shared with the party.
Lawyer Moazam Butt also spoke at the press conference and alleged that the government was using the planned PTI protest as a reason to consider emergency measures or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PTI has maintained that its planned march is intended to be peaceful, while the government’s position and any security arrangements surrounding the demonstration may determine how the event proceeds.
