PTI delays sit-in to block NATO supplies

Decision made due to the sectarian clashes in Rawalpindi. New date: November 23.


Web Desk November 17, 2013
A Nato truck makes its way to Afghanistan. PHOTO: FILE

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf  (PTI) and other political parties in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa coalition government postponed the sit-in against Nato supplies due to sectarian clashes in Rawalpindi on Muharram 10, Express News reported on Sunday.

This was announced during a press conference in Peshawar. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Awami Jamhoori Ittehad were also present during the press conference. The connection between the postponement of the protest and the clashes in Rawalpindi was not elaborated upon.

In a press release, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said the protest was postponed "keeping in view the grave security situation in the country". He added that the protest would now take place on November 23.

"This is not a cancellation but a postponement in response to the sensitivities of our people and the acute security situation prevailing in the country," Khan stated.

Blocking Nato supplies

The decision to block Nato supplies cropped up after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a drone strike in North Waziristan earlier this month.

PTI chairman Imran Khan had threatened to block Nato supplies going through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan if the US did not end its drone campaign in the tribal areas. He had also accused the US of sabotaging peace talks with the Taliban by killing Hakimullah at a time when he had showed willingness to negotiate.

The K-P provincial government also convened a special assembly session on November 4 wherein it unanimously passed a resolution against drone attacks and passage of Nato supplies.

The resolution, which came after much deliberation between the government and opposition members, urged the federal government to take concrete steps to put an end to drone strikes and suggest ways to halt Nato supplies going through the country.

The resolution gave the centre till November 20 to do the same, claiming the provincial government would otherwise be independent to pursue its own course of action.

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COMMENTS (56)

Modi | 10 years ago | Reply Keyboard warriors at their best. But don't worry, these paid comments wont make a difference on PTI stance and commitment. No matter what you say! PTI all the wayyyy!!!!!
US CENTCOM | 10 years ago | Reply

We have come too far to let any differences prevent us from achieving our shared peace objectives in the region. We've been able to overcome many obstacles and challenges in the past. At the same time, we've seen the negatives of staying on the opposite sides of the fence. Our common enemies certainly wish to see us part ways for the sake of pushing their deadly agenda forward. On the other hand, we certainly remain optimistic in regards to the future of our relationship. Our officials continue to meet to address our shared concerns in the region. The recent meeting between President Obama and PM Nawaz Sharif shows that we are not overlooking any shared concerns in regards to our common objectives in the region. It is simply imperative for us to work closely and remain unified for the betterment of the region.

Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command

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