Long march: Imran says govt changing Army Act for 'own benefit'

PTI Chairperson Imran Khan, addressing the participants of the long march, reiterated his party's demand for early polls and said it was the "only way out" for the present economic crisis plaguing Pakistan. 

He said people think that the economy is "sinking and doesn't have the strength to pay debts" and the country faces a dangerous situation as debtors will lose faith and others will lose faith in investing, "which will lead to inflation and unemployment".

Maintaining that it was important to shore up confidence in Pakistan's economy, the PTI chairperson said the "only way to do this was to hold free and fair elections".

“PTI won by a margin of 75 percent in the by-polls despite attempted rigging," said Imran. 

Referring to the matter of the new army chief's appointment, the former premier accused the government of bringing changes to the Army Act "for its own benefit". and added that all appointments made by the incumbent government were made for "personal benefits".

He also critisised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consulting PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on the matter of the important appointment and said a convict was asked to take important decisions for the country. 

Imran reiterated that all important appointments should be made on merit. 

The ousted premier also accused a private TV channel of propaganda against him and the PTI and said the businessman they interviewed in Dubai was a "fraud".

He further said he will approach international courts against the media group and "will file a case for character assassination".

'Will announce tentative date for Pindi arrival soon'

Earlier, PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said that the tentative date for the party's long march entering Rawalpindi may be announced in the next 72 hours.

Addressing a press conference with fellow PTI leaders, Shireen Mazari and Zulfi Bukhari, Fawad said "the tentative date for when hundreds of thousands of people will head towards Rawalpindi" is likely to be announced within the upcoming few days.

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Keeping his hopes high, he said "by the grace of God, this gathering will be the biggest political rally in history”.

Meanwhile, PTI's "Haqeeqi Azadi March" is set to rally in Jhelum, Sargodha, Mardan and Timergara today (Wednesday).

Shortly earlier, the party's Secretary General Asad Umar was welcomed by crowds in Kot Momin.

A massive rally was also held at Bajaur where Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and former federal minister Murad Saeed were to address the gathering.

According to sources, PTI chief Imran Khan is expected to arrive in the garrison city from Lahore on November 19 or 20.

Arrangements in place

The arrangements for his accommodation in Rawalpindi have been entrusted to a committee comprising MNAs Amir Mehmood Kiyani, Asad Umar and Ghulam Sarwar Khan.

A new 'bomb-proof highly secure special container' has been prepared for the former premier which will be delivered to the garrison city at midnight between Thursday and Friday.

The PTI chairman has also been proposed to stay in Punjab House in Rawalpindi, however, the proposal has not been approved yet.

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According to the security plan, police commandos will be deployed on the roofs of the plazas and markets on both sides of Murree Road while no one will be allowed to stand or pass within 30 feet distance of the PTI chief’s container.

Hundreds of washrooms have also been built near Shamsabad for participants of the long march.

The Murree Road from Mureer Chowk to Faizabad will be closed for general traffic on the arrival of the participants of the long march in Rawalpindi, while the alternative traffic route on Rawal Road, Islamabad Expressway will remain open for the traffic.

A heavy contingent of police and rangers will be deployed on the metro bus track. Law enforcement agencies have assumed duties in the most sensitive areas of the cantonment.

A control room has been set up to monitor the march's participants while a separate special control room has been set up in the garrison area as well.

Cellular and internet services will be suspended on the arrival of long march participants in the garrison city while metro bus service will also be stopped.

It has also been decided to carry out aerial and drone surveillance of the participants. Emergency has been imposed in all hospitals in the city and cantonment area while all petrol pumps on the route of the long march will be completely closed.

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According to highly reliable sources, there is also a possibility of major arrests and detentions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

All public and private schools across the city will be closed from Friday while wholesale vegetable, fruit and grain markets are being closed. It has also been decided to close the big commercial centre.

The commissioner, deputy commissioner, RPO and CPO visited the office of the sensitive organisation this week and gave a detailed briefing about the arrival of the long march to the garrison city besides receiving necessary instructions.

The Rawalpindi police have been instructed to be on alert to deal with any kind of situation. The police have also been provided with a large quantity of tear gas shells and rubber bullets.