In solidarity: 13,000 activists from K-P get ready for Pindi protest

PAT provincial president says travel plans have been changed to avoid barricades.

PESHAWAR: Around 13,000 activists of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) will take part in Monday’s protest called by party chief Tahirul Qadri.

President of the party in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Khalid Durrani, told The Express Tribune convoys from the southern districts, including Tank, DI Khan, Lakki Marwat, have arrived in Rawalpindi. Workers from Swat, Dir, Mardan and Charsadda will gather at Rashakai Interchange around 10pm on Sunday evening, added Durrani.



Talking strategy, the provincial president said they have changed tack regarding their travel plans in light of barricades and hurdles put in place by authorities.

“If our workers are stopped anywhere in the province, they have been directed to stage sit-ins wherever they were halted,” shared Durrani.

“We have decided to reach our destination not in shape of convoys but individually and have directed the district leadership in the province to leave for Islamabad separately,” added Durrani.

He went on to say most people left for the protest in their personal vehicles. “Transporters are fearful which is why they are not willing to take our workers.”

A PAT convoy comprising 60 to 70 vehicles will leave from Peshawar Toll Plaza at around 9pm, said Durrani.  Around 1,100 workers are participating from Peshawar under the president.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2014.