Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has scheduled its long march on Islamabad for October 4, Sunday. But is it really happening this time?
With concerns over the outcome, the PTI leadership has so far given no solid plan for the march.
The party workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also appeared unprepared, according to reports. Political activities have faced restrictions in Punjab and Sindh while the authorities have taken extensive security measures ahead of the protest. The situation in Balochistan is also well known.
The September 25 meeting of the PTI has already exposed weaknesses within the leadership, though many analysts are appreciating the decision to postpone the march.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is calling for dialogue with the federal government, which so far has not responded positively. Afridi has said the party agreed to postpone the march to October 4 while seeking a solution through dialogue.
Imran Khan’s sisters are in detention, while much of the leadership outside jail appears unwilling to sacrifice its privileges or take serious risks.
Rumors of Emergency, Governor Rule in KP:
Rumors of emergency rule, governor’s rule in KP and a no-confidence move against Sohail Afridi are already circulating in the national media. Afridi, however, is daring the government to take such a step while urging workers to be prepared for any such “mishap.”
The PTI has announced the long march around three demands: medical treatment for its jailed leader Imran Khan, permission for his family members and others to meet him at Adiala Jail, and early hearings of cases against Khan.
Those familiar with Pakistan’s political system know that the federal government lacked authority to meet the PTI demands. People know that the military establishment remains the key power center in major political decisions. The current government came to power with the establishment’s backing, according to majority of analysts.
On the other side, the establishment has shown no sign of accepting PTI’s demands, while Imran Khan has remained unwilling to surrender before it. Both sides continue to distrust each other.
In this prevailing situation, the PTI leadership outside jail appears unwilling to lose what it is enjoying.
PTI workers and Khan’s supporters also seem less willing to follow the current leadership blindly after their bitter experiences during previous long marches.
The PTI has now postponed the march once already, from September 27 to October 4, with reports citing organisational and logistical problems behind the delay. At the same time, Afridi continues to insist that the march will take place, even saying workers could travel to Islamabad on motorcycles or on foot if transport is unavailable.
So, considering the prevailing circumstances, the real question is: will PTI finally turn its October 4 announcement into a long march on Islamabad? Many believe it is highly unlikely.
