PTI leader vows to march on Islamabad through multiple routes

PTI leader vows to march on Islamabad through multiple routes

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar has issued a strong warning ahead of the party’s planned September 27 long march on Islamabad, saying PTI workers would approach the capital through multiple routes and would not return quietly this time.

Addressing a workers’ convention in Mardan, Junaid Akbar said the party would not limit its march to a single route. He said PTI supporters would travel towards Islamabad through the motorway and Grand Trunk Road, while some groups would also descend from the Margalla Hills and approach the capital from Dera Ismail Khan.

Referring to previous clashes during PTI protests, Junaid said party workers had previously returned after carrying the bodies of their colleagues and were not in a position to continue their protest. He said the situation would be different this time and suggested that the party would continue its resistance rather than remain silent after burying those who might lose their lives.

Junaid also used the phrase “turn Islamabad into Somnath” while addressing the gathering, signalling the intensity with which he said the party planned to pursue its protest.

The PTI leader’s remarks came as the party continued preparations for its September 27 march towards the federal capital. PTI has announced the march as part of its ongoing political campaign and has called on supporters to mobilise for the demonstration.

Reacting to Junaid Akbar’s remarks, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said peaceful citizens could come to Islamabad through any route and as many times as they wished, but warned that the government would take action against anyone who arrived with what he described as intentions to engage in violence.

Chaudhry said the government would fully implement the Islamabad High Court’s directions concerning the planned protest and would not allow any unlawful activity in the capital. He stressed that authorities would not tolerate actions that could threaten the lives or property of citizens.

The minister also criticised Junaid’s reference to Somnath, saying the PTI leader had effectively revealed what he considered to be the party’s plan for the September 27 protest. Chaudhry said the government would not allow such a strategy to move forward.

The government has repeatedly warned that any attempt to disrupt public order or obstruct roads and public movement during the PTI march would face legal action. Chaudhry said on September 19 that the state had the authority to take necessary measures to maintain its writ during the planned march.

The Islamabad High Court has also issued a detailed judgment concerning the proposed September 27 march, with authorities stressing that public roads and highways cannot be occupied in a manner that prevents citizens from moving freely.

PTI has set September 27 as the date for its long march towards Islamabad, with the party continuing its mobilisation campaign across the country.