PML-N's decision to participate in Azadi March delayed again

Shehbaz was scheduled to meet Nawaz at Kot Lakhpat Jail to present party recommendations.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The decision of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding participation in Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s (JUI-F) Azadi March has once again faced delay due to cancellation of meeting between ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Opposition Leader in National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif. According to details, Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to meet Nawaz Sharif at Kot Lakhpat Jail to present party recommendations on Azadi March for approval however, he has cancelled the plan owning to backache. The party sources said that the doctors have advised PML-N president to take bed rest. On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had announced complete support for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s ant-government protest and said that his party would welcome Azadi March. “We have not yet been told anything about the march, however, we completely back JUI-F,” he said. Earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the Azadi March convoys from across the country will leave for Islamabad on October 27 to enter jointly in the federal capital on October 31.

JUI-F files application for holding Azadi March at D-Chowk

JUI-F senior politician Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri had submitted an application with the chief commissioner of Islamabad, seeking permission for carrying out Azadi March and a possible sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad. In the written application, JUI-F maintained that the party owns “democratic and constitutional” right of holding protests. It further said that under the leadership of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, a large number of party workers will participate in the long march. The party further asked the local administration to ensure provision of essential security measures for the demonstrators.