Govt and PTI Hold Informal Talks Ahead of October 4 Islamabad March
The federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are holding informal, off-the-record discussions ahead of the party’s planned march towards Islamabad on October 4, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday.
Speaking on Geo News’ morning programme, Sanaullah said consultations were continuing with senior PTI leaders regarding the proposed protest.
The PTI had initially planned the march for September 27 but later postponed it to October 4. The party has said the protest is linked to its demands for the release of its founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Government Says Security Arrangements in Place
Sanaullah said the government had made arrangements to prevent the march from entering Islamabad if the PTI leadership does not withdraw or postpone the planned protest.
He also maintained that the government would take action if the march violated legal or constitutional provisions. Reports have also indicated that security measures have been put in place around Islamabad and parts of Punjab ahead of the planned protest.
The PTI, however, has maintained that it intends to proceed with the October 4 march. Senior party leader Asad Qaiser said on Wednesday that there was no plan to postpone the protest.
Governor’s Rule in KP Discussed
Sanaullah also spoke about the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the Constitution provides a procedure for such a move and that any decision would have to follow the constitutional process and receive parliamentary approval.
The issue has become part of the wider political dispute surrounding the planned march. On September 30, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government was seriously considering an emergency in KP, while the government has also discussed governor’s rule as an option.
As of October 1, reports indicated that the federal government had not taken an immediate decision to impose emergency or governor’s rule in the province, instead continuing political consultations.
PTI Maintains March Plan
PTI leaders have continued to support the October 4 schedule. The party has said its protest is intended to press its political demands, while government officials have raised concerns about the impact of a march towards the federal capital.
The two sides have therefore remained engaged in political discussions as preparations continue for October 4.
Sanaullah also said that major decisions concerning provincial matters would ultimately come before parliament, where the government would present its position.
The situation remains subject to further talks and decisions by the federal government and PTI leadership ahead of the planned march.
