PESHAWAR – In order to vent their anger over resumption of Nato supplies, excessive electricity loadshedding, US drone attacks, corruption and poor law and order situation in the country, different opposition parties have planned to hold a sit-in, two separate long marches, a grand tribal jirga and a few protests in Peshawar this week.
The opposition parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Defa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) would organise different protest public meetings, a sit-in and two separate long marches to persuade maximum people to come into their folds. Ahead of general elections, which are approaching speedily, all the political parties whether in power or opposition, are flexing muscles, but the opposition parties so far have taken the lead to mobilise the general public on different issues.
Currently, JUI-F, JI, PTI and DPC are openly opposing government on resumption of Nato supplies, nonstop drone attacks, unemployment, corruption and hours long power loadshedding. Despite sizzling heat, these opposition parties have so far held several protests and public meetings across the country, in which the government and its allies have been severely criticised mainly over allowing Nato supplies, which had been blocked in protest against Nato helicopters attack on a military checkpoint at Salala, Mohmand Agency, on November 25, 2011.
To record a strong protest against resumption of Nato supplies, corruption and loadshedding, PTI Chairman Imran Khan would lead a protest rally today (Saturday) in Peshawar.
The scheduled rally would come out from Hashtnagri Chowk at 5:00 pm and after passing through different routes it would turn into a public gathering at Ashraf Road.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan and others would address it. Certainly, PTI faces internal rifts in KPK, but seeing its growing popularity in the province, the rally is expected to be attended by many.
On July 15, a grand tribal jirga is going to take place in Peshawar under the auspices of JUI-F. It is aimed at getting tribesmen viewpoints whether they want to have a separate province or be merged in KPK. Hundreds of delegates from various tribal agencies would participate in the jirga. The jirga would be held at Nishtar Hall. JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl Rehman would also address it. In the light of jirga’s recommendations, the JUI-F would make decision on Fata’s fate.
On July 16, JI would hold a sit-in at Bagh-e-Naran in Peshawar. To ensure maximum participation, JI has been holding public gatherings and corner meetings across the province, asking people to actively participate in the scheduled sit-in so as to condemn resumption of Nato supplies.
JI Chief Syed Munawar Hasan, ex-ameer Qazi Hussain Ahmad, senior vice president Siraj-ul-Haq, general secretary Liaqat Baloch and many more would also speak on the occasion. It is believed that a large number of party workers and common people would join the sit in, despite severe hot weather in city. The sit in would commence at 5pm at Bagh-e-Naran.
After its concluding, on the very next day, on July 17, JI would lead a long march toward Babe Khyber at Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.
The JI would try its level best to proceed till Torkham, a bordering checkpoint on Pak-Afghan boarder, but it is believed that political administration of Khyber Agency may not allow the marchers to move ahead.
The marchers would chant slogans and condemn its for its failure to stop US drone attacks and resuming Nato supplies for allied forces in Afghanistan.
The DPC, an alliance of over three dozens various religious parties and Jehadi organizations, is presently holding protests against government’s decision allowing Nato supplies, is also expected to organise a long march in Peshawar.
However, it has to decide it yet. At preset, Peshawar, is relatively calm and peaceful, so encouraging political parties to organise different events, which political pundits see a significant development, as Peshawar, once a city of flowers, is these days known for bomb explosions.