Sheikh Rasheed says second long march may not be necessary

ISLAMABAD: Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed expressed hope that there might be no need for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a second long march.

Speaking to a private channel on Thursday, he hoped a positive outcome would emerge out of the ongoing situation following Imran Khan’s announcement to call off his long march.

Sheikh Rasheed said that Imran Khan has given a six-day deadline to announce the date for elections and hopefully there would be no need for the second long march.

He said at least five people have lost their lives due to police action during long march. He added that people were tortured and vehicles were damaged adding he had already expressed fears that the march could turn violent.

He said that he foresees a better solution even if it might get late and credit will go to Imran Khan if the situation improves.

Azadi March ends

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has given a six-day ultimatum to the government to dissolve assemblies and announce elections.

Addressing protesters at Islamabad’s Jinnah Avenue, he warned that he would return to the capital with the “entire nation” otherwise. The former prime minister said he had reached Islamabad after 30 hours of travelling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Government has tried every method to crush our Azadi March, they used teargas on peaceful protest, our homes were raided and privacy of the homes were violated, however, I have seen the nation free itself from fear of slavery,” he said.

While giving a deadline to the government to announce the date for fresh pollsImran Khan said is giving a six-day ultimatum to the government to dissolve assemblies and announce general elections in June.

“My message for imported government is to dissolve assemblies and announce elections, otherwise I will come back again to Islamabad after six days,” he added.

The PTI chairman entered Islamabad in the early hours of Thursday and marched towards D-Chowk. However, Imran Khan announced to end the long march and proceeded to his Bani Gala residence.