Strongly condemning the death of its worker Haq Nawaz in Faisalabad on December 8, PTI has accused the ruling PML-N of unleashing its ‘Gullu Butts’ to create turmoil.
The party’s provincial secretary Khalid Masood led a protest rally of PTI MPAs, party workers, youth wing activists and district office bearers on Tuesday from Peshawar Press Club to Governor House via Sher Shah Suri Road. As a result of the demonstration, the major route remained blocked for traffic, affecting adjoining areas.
Addressing protesters, Peshawar PTI President Yasin Khalil accused “PML-N goons” of carrying out an extreme act of violence, saying PTI was simply exercising its right to protest. Khalil said the attack on his party’s workers in Faisalabad was orchestrated under a well-thought out plan.
According to Khalil, PML-N’s efforts to deter PTI had backfired and protests have spread across the country. “The federal government has little choice but to submit to the PTI,” he said.
Party workers chanted slogans against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Abid Sher Ali, Rana Sanaullah and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. PTI women lawmakers including Ayesha Gulalai, Fozia Bibi, Nageena Khan, Ayesha Naeem and others also participated in the rally.
Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
PTI activists also offered funeral prayers in absentia at Jinnah Park for the slain party worker.
Swabi
PTI workers in Swabi demonstrated against Haq Nawaz’s murder. Speakers on the occasion said PTI protests had been peaceful since the Islamabad sit-in on August 14. They accused the PML-N of trying to aggravate the situation and incite violence.
Mardan
PTI workers, led by MPA Obaidullah Mayar, gathered outside Mardan Press Club and burnt tyres on the main road, suspending traffic in the city. Addressing the protesters, party district leaders said Haq Nawaz’s death would not be in vain and Imran Khan’s dream of a corruption-free Pakistan would come true.
Hangu
Protesters also gathered outside Hangu Press Club. Led by Hangu PTI President Advocate Noor Awaz, the demonstrators chanted slogans of ‘Go Nawaz Go’.
Shangla
The Swat-Besham Road at Alpuri was blocked for traffic by PTI workers in Shangla, led by district president Rahamzada Yousafzai, resulting in massive problems for commuters.
The demonstrators threatened to block the entire district if authorities failed to bring Haq Nawaz’s killer to justice.
Kohat
Meanwhile, PTI workers in Kohat offered an absentia funeral prayer for Haq Nawaz in Company Bagh. During a later demonstration in front of Kohat Press Club, district president Humayun Pehalwan said the Nawaz government had failed and should resign. He demanded a transparent investigation into the PTI worker’s death.
Charsadda
Another rally was held in Charsadda, starting from the press club before ending at Farooq Azam Chowk. PTI MPA Arif Yousafzai said sacrifices like Haq’s would see the PTI achieve its destiny and end dynastic politics in the country.
Bannu
Protesters led by Bannu PTI President Matiullah also gathered to condemn Haq’s killing. District leaders said PTI had now started a movement to put the country on the road to development. However, the demonstrators were forced to disperse soon because an IED blast targeted security forces in the district.
*With additional input from our correspondents in K-P
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2014.
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Do a thousand. We don't care. You are nuts. I hate you Imran Khan, I hate you.