PTI calls Islamabad march delay a political strategy

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has defended its decision to postpone its planned Islamabad march, saying the move was part of the party’s political strategy.

PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa information secretary Shaukat Yousafzai said on Saturday that the march, initially planned for September 27, had been rescheduled for October 4. He said the party remained committed to a peaceful political struggle.

Yousafzai said the federal government had deployed a large number of police personnel and placed containers along routes leading towards Islamabad. He said the situation prompted the party to adjust its strategy.

The PTI leader called on the federal government to engage in meaningful negotiations with the opposition. He said the government should move beyond political differences and hold practical talks with the party.

According to Yousafzai, PTI’s key demand remains the release and medical treatment of party founder Imran Khan in accordance with court directions.

He also accused the federal government of interfering in provincial affairs. Yousafzai claimed that provincial ministers were being detained and alleged that the Centre was creating an environment in which provincial authority was being undermined.

He criticised remarks by Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar concerning KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and said political statements targeting provincial leadership could weaken state institutions.

PTI defends KP police legislation

Yousafzai also defended the revised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act, saying police legislation falls within the province’s constitutional domain.

The KP cabinet recently approved amendments to the proposed Police Act 2026 after considering reservations raised by its members. Yousafzai argued that legislation in the public interest was a constitutional right of the provincial government.

He questioned objections to the proposed law and asked whether similar provisions were not already part of police legislation in other provinces.

Yousafzai also said the KP Assembly speaker had summoned the inspector general of police but that the police chief did not appear.

He maintained that the purpose of the legislation was to ensure an independent police force that could perform its duties without political pressure.