PTI Decides to Postpone Islamabad Long March to October 5

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to postpone its September 27 Islamabad long march to October 5, party sources said on Friday. A formal announcement is expected after consultations with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

The decision was taken during a PTI political committee meeting in Peshawar, according to party sources. The march was originally planned for September 27.

The reported postponement comes as PTI leaders assess security restrictions and difficulties in mobilizing supporters towards Islamabad. Major routes remain blocked or restricted. The federal government has also authorized Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several Punjab districts until October 5.

PTI Leaders Discuss New Date

The October 5 date emerged during discussions within the party. PTI leaders have also considered a wider October 5 to 10 window for the mobilization, according to reports from the party’s internal discussions.

The party has been seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan. PTI has also called for what it describes as constitutional supremacy.

However, the postponement was not confirmed by all PTI representatives earlier in the day. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said no proposal to delay the march was under discussion. PTI leaders had also said preparations for September 27 were continuing.

The latest report from party sources indicates that a final announcement will follow consultations with Achakzai and Nasir Abbas.

Security Measures Remain in Place

The federal government has authorized Pakistan Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from September 20 to October 5. The deployment is intended to assist authorities with law and order.

Authorities have also restricted major routes leading towards Islamabad. The measures were introduced ahead of the September 27 protest.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has called for dialogue to resolve the dispute. He said on Friday that there was still a window for talks before the planned march.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also called for negotiations. He has urged authorities to avoid confrontation and address the party’s grievances.