ISLAMABAD: To cope with any unforeseen issues that may arise during the PTI’s forthcoming long march in Islamabad, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated on Wednesday that the federal government will deploy armed forces, including the Pakistan Army and rangers, to deal with rally participants.
PTI Chief Imran Khan said a day earlier that his party’s lengthy march would begin on October 28 (Friday), calling it “far beyond” politics. According to PTI leader Asad Umar, the party will enter the federal capital by November 4.
The Supreme Court also denied the federal government’s bid to halt PTI head Imran Khan’s long march to Islamabad, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial recommending the government meet with the former prime minister.
“No one can be denied the right to protest,” remarked CJP Bandial.
Meanwhile, Sanaullah remarked on a private channel talk program that the government will confront the PTI’s long march and its participants by adopting all feasible security steps to maintain law and order.
“Yes, we will undoubtedly call the troops under Article 245 [of the Constitution]. We’ll also contact the rangers. To contain the mob, police and firefighters will form the first line of defense, armed with tear gas [shells] and rubber bullets. And if there is any weakness anyplace, the rangers and army would be there to help,” Sanaullah explained.
The interior minister was determined to defeat the party at whatever cost. “Because, God forbid, the success of this gang implies the defeat of Pakistan,” he said.
Sanaullah further hinted at arresting the PTI head and said that if pandemonium breaks out during the protests, PML-N personnel may be called in.
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“We’ll go the extra mile.” If he can bring people from all over the country, we can also call people from all over the country “He said that the number of protestors with Khan will not exceed 15,000 people.
