Shandana Gulzar rejects alleged pressure tactics, calls for peaceful protest and urges government to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA Shandana Gulzar Khan said on Wednesday that the party would proceed with its planned protest march towards Islamabad on October 4, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expected to lead the mobilisation.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club alongside KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Surayya Bibi and lawyer Moazam Butt, Gulzar said PTI would not be deterred by restrictions or the threat of force.
The party had initially scheduled the march for September 27. However, the plan was subsequently revised, with Chief Minister Afridi announcing October 4 as the new date for the march from Peshawar.
Gulzar Links Governor’s Rule Debate to Planned Protest
Gulzar alleged that discussions surrounding the possible imposition of an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were intended to prevent PTI from proceeding with its protest.
She claimed that statements concerning threats originating from KP were being followed by measures aimed at obstructing the planned march.
The PTI lawmaker also alleged that party workers and members of the provincial and national assemblies were being detained ahead of the protest and questioned the legality of such actions.
She urged authorities not to create confrontation between citizens and state institutions, maintaining that the police and armed forces belonged to the country and should not be placed in conflict with the public.
PTI Calls for Dialogue
Gulzar said PTI intended to conduct its protest peacefully and called on the government to resolve political differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.
She also criticised the government over economic pressures facing citizens, pointing particularly to the rising burden of essential expenses.
According to the PTI MNA, the increasing cost of petrol, electricity and flour had made everyday life more difficult for the public.
Her remarks came as PTI prepared for its rescheduled October 4 march towards Islamabad, with the party maintaining that it would proceed with the demonstration despite what it describes as pressure and restrictions.
