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As the ‘Azadi March’ is not making much headway, the JUI-F chief has unveiled an alternative ‘Plan B’ to achieve their objectives for ousting of the incumbent government. Maulana Fazlur Rehman is frustrated that his anti-government march has lost steam and is not being taken seriously.
The JUI-F has decided to swing into motion with a new course of action: end the sit-in in the federal capital and spread the protests nationwide. The party will block major highways across the country starting from the Quetta-Chaman highway and Hub River road in Balochistan. The Indus Highway at Jacobabad, the GT Road in Punjab, and the Karakoram Highway would also be blocked by marchers.
The blockade would significantly disrupt traffic and movement of supplies across the nation. The JUI-F wants to dispel the impression that the Azadi March is nearing its end. Although the party has warned its workers from carry sticks to the protest sites, there is a high possibility that violence may erupt incase action is taken by authorities to quell the protests.
It is interesting to note that the ‘Plan B of Azadi March’ was not announced by the main leadership or from the main stage of the sit-in. It was earlier believed that the alternate plan probably meant shifting to D-Chowk but it seems that JUI-F will either remain at the site or disband completely. This created much confusion among party workers as clear instructions were not given.
It is uncertain what role other opposition parties would play in blocking roads and highways. The JUI-F has been deserted by the PML-N and PPP who did not even participate in the sit-in. There is no decision made by the ANP or the Achakzai-led PkMAP. There is also ambiguity on what the Maulana hopes to achieve by blocking highways and trade links- other than getting attention that is.
The government allowed the Azadi March on the condition that it should remain within the ambit of the law and constitution. As the situation seems to be escalating, the government should have its own ‘Plan B’ to deal with the matter if it spirals out of control.
The JUI-F chief is perturbed by the attitude of the government’s committee led by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak. Talks were stalled after fiery speeches were given when the matter was raised in the National Assembly. Violence and damage to public property cannot be condoned and both sides should express restraint to amicably resolve the issue.
