The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has decided to postpone the long march on Friday that was previously planned for September 27, according to sources quoted by Geo TV. The PTI long march has been reportedly postponed till October 5.
The decision was made in a political meeting of the party. The formal announcement will be made after taking in confidence MNA Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, reports say.
The PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is still facing criticism over its alleged lack of response to terrorism in the province, according to reports.
The chief minister had not visited severely affected areas and instead ‘focused on rallies and long marches’, reports say. Reports highlight that he had also not attended the funeral prayers of those martyred in terrorist attacks.
Security measures tightened in Islamabad
Previously, security measures were further tightened in Faizabad and surrounding areas by the administration in view of the possible PTI long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
According to sources, instructions have been issued to keep all hotels located around the Faizabad bus terminal closed.
In addition, restaurants and shopkeepers have also been instructed to close their shops by this evening.
Section 144 was also imposed in Islamabad beforehand. The district administration said that all types of public gatherings are banned in the federal capital. The restriction was placed under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.
Officials warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks the rules. A violation of the law can lead to up to three years in prison.
The administration has asked citizens to stay away from illegal activities. People have also been told to cooperate with security agencies.
Before this, the Punjab government also enforced Section 144 throughout the province from September 23 to October 5 in view of law and order issues, possible protests and terror attacks.
Major roads closed
Traffic restrictions have also been placed on key roads leading to Islamabad.
According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, M-1, M-14 and N-5 GT Road are being closed from both sides at different points from Wednesday evening.
The M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway will be closed between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange.
The M-14 Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway will be closed from Hakla to Kundal in both directions.
The GT Road will also be closed at Attock Khurd from both sides.
