'Azadi March' reaches final leg at Islamabad, oppn to hold mass rally

The anti-government 'Azadi March' in Pakistan carried by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, the chief of the right-wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) party has entered the country's capital Islamabad on Thursday evening and opposition parties participating in the massive protest are scheduled to hold a rally after Friday prayers.

The march had kickstarted from Sohrab Goth area of Karachi's on October 27 amidst a massive show of strength by the party workers from other opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and Awami National Party (ANP).

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PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also confirmed his participation in the Azadi March rally that is to be held on Friday. Zardari has directed his party workers to ensure maximum participation in the scheduled rally. Zardari's decision to participate in the anti-government rally came after a meeting of the party's senior leadership. PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to join Rahman in his Azadi March rally in Islamabad and is also expected to address the gathering in the capital. 

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One of the biggest in the history of Pakistan

Rehman had said earlier that procession is a step towards making stronger bonds with the people of Kashmir, who are suffering the oppression of the Indian army troops. He further added that the turmoil in Kashmir is affecting the normal lives of people violating their right to freedom. He claimed that Pakistan stands in solidarity with those oppressed in Kashmir. The anti-government protest is likely to be one of the biggest in the country, surpassing the numbers of the 2014 'dharna' held against the then Pakistani government led by Nawaz Sharif.

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The purpose of the march is to dethrone Imran Khan, who has formed his government for just over a year, however, Imran Khan has made it clear that he will not succumb to pressure from the Opposition and not resign from his post. The Pakistan government is ready to take the required measures to keep the situation under control. Imran Khan’s government negotiated with the leaders of the procession to restrict the protest in certain areas of the capital. However, the authorities have implemented their security plans with extra police force deployed in case riots breakout. 

(With ANI inputs)

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