Pak Government To Call Out Army If Imran Khan Calls For March In Islamabad

After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry claimed all the arrangements for his party's long march to Islamabad were in their final stages, the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government decided to call out army and deploy troops in the capital city if PTI chief Imran Khan gave a call for the march.

According to Dawn newspaper, the decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting, chaired by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

Citing official sources, the publication reported that the Pakistan Army would be deployed in the capital city's Red Zone to stop the entry of protestors.

Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the cabinet had decided it would not allow PTI to enter Islamabad under any circumstances.

Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan directed party workers to get ready for the 'Haqeeqi Azadi March' in Islamabad and asked his party's leaders and workers to take an oath that they will participate in the long march considering it a Jehad for the country.

In the meeting, the members were briefed that around 20,000 people were expected to participate in the long march. The top security huddle decided to engage the Sindh Police, Rangers and FC to ensure law and order in the federal capital during the long march.

The Pakistan Army, under Article 245 of the Constitution, will secure public buildings and the Diplomatic Enclave in the Red Zone.

In the meeting, the members decided to impose a complete ban on carrying weapons. It was also decided that action would be taken against the federal employees who planned to support the PTI's long march, reported Geo News.

Earlier, on Monday, during a party meeting held at his Bani Gala residence in the federal capital, Imran Khan urged party workers from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab province to get all preparations ready for the decisive round of anti-government protests, The Express Tribune reported.

"This time freedom march will be carried out with full preparation," the former PM said as quoted by the publication.

The ousted prime minister claimed that there is only one way for Pakistan to come out of the prevailing situation and that is to ensure fresh general elections in the country.

While addressing a mega rally last month in Punjab's Rahimyar Khan district, Khan said he would give the final call for anti-government protests when the time was ripe, asserting that it would come when he is assured that he can "take three wickets in one ball".

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)