The long march of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) finally reached Islamabad’s famous D-Chowk on late Tuesday.
Thousands of opposition party supporters are participating in the long march led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), demanding Prime Minister Imran Khan to step down or experience a “no-confidence vote” in the parliament accusing him of poor governance and mismanaged economy.
“Resign in 24 hours and face us in an election,” PPP chairman and Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto directed his remarks to the prime minister while addressing the rally just outside the capital, Islamabad. “Or be prepared for a no-confidence move,” he said.
According to the leaders of the opposition, PM Khan has lost public support due to depleting foreign reserves, a rising current account deficit and high inflation in the country.
No-trust motion against PM
On Tuesday, a delegation of opposition lawmakers submitted the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan with the National Assembly Secretariat, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed.
Meeting of the PDM Leaders:
Earlier on Monday, top leaders of the three opposition parties including Head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif arrived at Zardari House, Islamabad to discuss the costs and benefits of their possible move aimed at dismissing Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani while responding to media questions after the meeting said the legal experts in the meeting gave a detailed briefing to them on the issue of the no-confidence motion and then the three top leaders had an exclusive meeting.
Later the PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said the no-confidence motion was a public demand. To save the national economy, inflation-hit people of Pakistan, and the future of the nation, it was unavoidable to oust the PTI government, he said, calling it the first step towards betterment.
Capital’s security situation:
PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on Monday said that the ICT police have agreed to provide security to the participants of the PPP long march which is expected to reach Islamabad today on Tuesday.
Earlier, Khokhar made an application to the capital’s police chief on the 4th of March, demanding security arrangements in Rawat, but received no response. However, he later expressed concern in a tweet on social media which was responded to by SSP Operation Mohammad Faisal, who informed him that security had been provided to the participants in Rawat.
Constitution Avenue side of D-Chowk has been sealed using the containers to avoid entry of the protestors into the area. Besides, containers are also being put at Serena Chowk and Kashmir Chowk.
According to the officials, police and paramilitary troops, including anti-riot units, will be deployed on Aga Khan Road and Constitution Avenue as well as inside the Red Zone and around important installations.