Minister of State for Interior has said there is still hope that “sense will prevail within 24 to 48 hours” ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Speaking on Hamid Mir’s talk show, Chaudhry said, “One should remain positive; absolutely, there is hope before the 27th. There is hope that sense will prevail within 24 to 48 hours.”
He said that the government will be responsible if PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan can identify any constitutional or legal right that the party is not receiving.
Chaudhry also added that the government does not want a direct confrontation or violence during the planned march and maintained that authorities believe in using minimal force.
He vowed that the government will facilitate the protesters if they arrive peacefully but warned that those who come with the intention of creating a confrontation will not be allowed to reach Islamabad or take anything away.
“The path that can open through dialogue will not open through a march,” he remarked.
PTI is preparing forits September 27 march towards Islamabad, with the party demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
Authorities have increased security arrangements ahead of the planned protest. The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province until October 5, restricting gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
The Punjab government has also sought Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The request includes three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.
