PTI govt allows ‘Azadi March’ of Moulana Fazal-ur-Rehman

Government urges opposition parties including JUI-F to remain peaceful

ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Wednesday allowed the opposition Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) anti-government ‘Azadi March’ to take place as long as the protest stays within the ambit of the law.

The government said the opposition would be allowed to carry out the protest as it is their constitutional right duly interpreted in the judgments of the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court.

“It was decided that the Government, with its firm belief in upholding democratic ideals, would allow the proposed Azadi March, if it takes place within the ambit of law and the Constitution as interpreted in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Islamabad High Court,” said a statement released by the PM Office

However, the opposition was reminded not to take measures which would adversely affect the everyday life of citizens.

The decision was taken after a team constituted to negotiate with the opposition, led by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, met Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Taking PM Imran in confidence, the government’s negotiating team further expressed hope of successful negotiations before October 27.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced to hold ‘Azadi March’ in October under any circumstances to oust the ‘illegitimate government’.

The two main opposition parties, the PPP and the PML-N, also have shown their support to the JUI-F’s anti-government protest.