PTI begins most anticipated ‘long march’

Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘true freedom march’ will start today (Friday) from Liberty Chowk in Lahore towards Islamabad, demanding fresh elections. Imran Khan, former prime minister, will lead the march. 

As per officials, the party has already finalized preparations for its true freedom march (Haqeeqi Azadi March). The highly anticipated march will take seven days to reach Islamabad, on November 4. 

A special five-seater container, which has been prepared for Imran Khan, has arrived at Liberty Chowk. The container will be used by senior PTI leadership as well. 

The march would commence with an expected rousing speech from Imran Khan who has left from his Zaman Park residence for Liberty Chowk. 

Notably, the long march was supposed to begin at 11:00 am from Liberty Chowk where the party leaders and supporters have already started gathering. However, it started around 3:45 pm. 

In the fullness of time, the marchers would reach Shahdara, Lahore. Then the long march would reach Gujranwala in the second phase. While in the third phase, the supporters would reach Gujarat via Sialkot.  

Following this security has been tightened along the march route and in capital city.  

Islamabad Administration Refuses To Issue NOC 

In the meantime, the district administration of Islamabad has rejected PTI’s no-objection certificate to hold its rally in the federal capital, stating that the party has ‘violated the NOC that was provided to it on May 25’.  

In a letter, the administration—along with a list of past violations— wrote: “You were given permission in the past as well, but you violated all the promises”. 

The party, however, is hopeful of getting NOC within 24 hours.  

Record-Breaking March  

Khan earlier this week stated that party would kick off the much-awaited long march, adding the ‘haqeeqi azaadi march’ would have no timeframe.  

Khan claimed that the long march would be the biggest-ever in the history of Pakistan, saying the march would pass through the GT Road and the people would join it.  

He said the protest would be peaceful. 

“We are not going to break the law or go into the Red Zone. Whatever will happen in Islamabad, it will be according to what the courts have permitted us,” said former cricketer.