The opposition leadership on Tuesday discussed the upcoming September 27 long march and decided to fix the specific date of reaching the federal capital through mutual consultations at an appropriate time. This was decided during a meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan with opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly -- Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai, respectively. Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-i-Pakistan (Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP)) spokesman Akhunzada Hussain was also present on the occasion.
Gohar met Allama Nasir Abbas and Achakzai separately. The opposition leaders strongly condemned the arrests of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan's sisters as well as the alleged harassment and arrest of political leaders and workers. They also voiced concern over the ongoing measures taken against political activities.
Detailed discussions also took place regarding the long march scheduled for September 27. The leaders clarified that the opposition's march would be entirely peaceful and aimed at upholding democratic and constitutional rights. Besides, detailed consultations were held regarding the parliamentary party meeting, which was held in Peshawar.
The meetings also featured a detailed discussion on the preparations for the long march, and the future strategy and an agreement was reached to make mutual coordination and consultation among the opposition parties more effective. Talking to the media outside the Parliament House, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar said that one could not be expected to refrain from protesting when justice was denied, grievances went unheard and demands were ignored.
"The long march will certainly take place - we will come to Islamabad - but the protest will be peaceful. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and parliamentary party have held meetings and subsequent press conferences; they have always strived to improve the situation and never closed the door to reconciliation," he contended. "How the situation can improve if court orders are not implemented and issues regarding meetings and medical treatment remain unresolved." "If the state is serious, then it must take tangible steps and we need to feel that our demands are being taken seriously," he added.
"The long march scheduled for September 27 will definitely take place and remain entirely peaceful," he reiterated and remarked: "We will march towards Islamabad and maintain a peaceful atmosphere and after entering the federal capital, stalls will be set up, creating a festive atmosphere." The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman underlined that his party had never closed the door to reconciliation and that channels of communication remained open. However, the party holds serious reservations regarding the actions taken against the founding chairman's female family members and party workers.
He urged the state to review its actions, warning that the current situation would harm both the state and democracy. Emphasizing that Pakistan and Islamabad belong to everyone, he asserted that there should be no obstacles placed in the path of people who voted for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).