ISLAMABAD: Uncertainty over PTI’s planned September 27 march on Islamabad has increased after one party leader raised the possibility of postponement if the government accepts key demands, while the party’s spokesperson insisted that no such proposal is under discussion and only Imran Khan can decide whether to delay the protest.
Advocate Naeem Haider Panjutha told Dawn that the march could be postponed if the federal government gave assurances on three issues: elections within six to eight months, the release of Imran Khan and other political prisoners, and investigations into the May 9 events and the November 26 crackdown alleged by PTI.
The comments did not amount to a formal party decision. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said no postponement proposal was being discussed and maintained that only the party founder could postpone the march.
The conflicting statements have left the party’s immediate strategy unclear two days before the planned mobilisation.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has meanwhile urged the government to engage with the party before the protest, saying political dialogue should be used to avoid a confrontation between political workers and law-enforcement personnel.
Authorities have stepped up security preparations ahead of September 27. The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from September 20 to October 5 following requests from the Islamabad administration and the Punjab government.
The deployment was authorised under the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance and the Anti-Terrorism Act. The Punjab government has also sought restrictions on mobile and internet services at specified locations in Rawalpindi and Attock on the day of the march.
PTI has not formally withdrawn its call for the September 27 mobilisation. Unless the party announces a change, preparations on both sides are proceeding on the basis that the march remains scheduled.