Azadi March rally in Islamabad postponed: Marriyum Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb mentioned that the decision has been taken after consultation of all protesting parties.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday announced that the planned anti-government Azadi March rally in Islamabad has been postponed till tomorrow (Nov. 1) due to the tragic Tezgam train fire incident occurred near Rahim Yar Khan today.
Aurangzeb mentioned that the decision has been taken after consultation of all opposition parties which are participating in the massive protest.
Meanwhile, other political leaders have asked party workers to remain in Islamabad and fully participate in the rally tomorrow.
The same was confirmed by JUI-F leader Akram Khan Durrani. “The rally will be held after Friday prayers and the caravan will reach Islamabad late night,” he told the media, adding that all protesters will stay at the designated location for protest till then.
Moreover, JUI-F workers from Khyber Pakhtunkwa have begun their journeys and will gather at the JUI-F’ secretariat in the capital city. They will also bring with them a mobile clinic, a canteen and a water tanker.
Contrarily, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman has contradicted PML-N spokesperson’s announcement and stated that the Azadi March caravan will proceed according to the schedule and will reach Islamabad today. A massive public meeting is scheduled by the party to be held at H-9 area in Sunday Bazaar Grounds.
The leadership of main opposition parties including JUI-F, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP) and others are expected to address massive crowd tomorrow.
As per sources, the section of Azadi March coming from Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) is believed to enter the capital from Rawat and use the Expressway, IJP Road and 9th Avenue to reach the venue.
A section of the long march coming from the Motorway will use the Kashmir Highway, and these roads will be closed when the rally nears. The Red Zone has been partially sealed and entry into this area has been restricted until the protest is concluded.
According to sources, the participants of the march coming from Punjab will be diverted to Islamabad Expressway from T-Chowk, Rawat to Faizabad. From there they will head towards Peshawar More.
Meanwhile, the rallies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be diverted to Kashmir Highway, while rallies from Murree and Azad Kashmir will reach Faizabad and then take 9th Avenue to reach the venue.
The long march of opposition parties including, JUI-F, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), PML-N, ANP and others started its journey from Karachi on Oct. 27 and the JUI-F has announced to decide the next course of action after entering Islamabad.
On the other hand, all the government and private schools, colleges and universities in Rawalpindi are closed today.
