Minister hopes 'good sense will prevail' as PTI's Sept 27 march nears

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has expressed hope that “good sense will prevail” within 24 to 48 hours as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its September 27 march towards Islamabad.

Speaking on Geo News’ programme Capital Talk, Chaudhry said there was still hope for a resolution before the planned march, while stressing the need to avoid any direct confrontation or violence.

“One should remain positive. Absolutely, we have hope before the 27th. Within 24 to 48 hours, there is hope that good sense will prevail,” he said when the anchor asked whether he had hopes whether dialogue would prevail.

Chaudhry said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan should identify any constitutional or legal right that was not being granted to the party, adding that the government would be held accountable for any such denial.

“God forbid that a direct confrontation occurs, nor should a situation be created where any form of violence takes place,” the minister said, adding that the government believed in using the “minimum amount of force”.

He acknowledged that “many things were not managed properly” during the previous protest, which took place in November 2024, but said the government would ensure PTI workers were treated with respect if they came to Islamabad peacefully.

Chaudhry also said dialogue remained the possible way forward, but argued that a march would not create the conditions for talks. “The path that can open through dialogue will not be opened by a march,” he said.

The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and various districts of Punjab amid security preparations ahead of PTI's long march.

According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics — a copy of which is available with Geo News, the Rangers personnel will be deployed from September 20 to October 5, 2026.

The deployment was authorised pursuant to requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and the Home Department of the Government of Punjab under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, it stated.

According to the notification, Rangers personnel will discharge functions as specified under the Ordinance and Act, as authorised by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the provincial government.

The deployed troops are authorised to respond appropriately in self-defence to any threats or violent activities encountered in the course of their duties, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

The Ministry of Interior directed that Rangers and police take full measures to deal with any violent activity or threat, and that appropriate and necessary responsive action be taken in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.

PTI vowed to proceed with its September 27 long march on Islamabad "under all circumstances", while strictly instructing workers not to carry sticks, slingshots or any weapons.

Speaking to Geo News, PTI KP Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai warned that anyone found in possession of sticks, slingshots or any weapons would have no connection with the party.

Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said net launchers were not used against political people and that their grievances should instead be heard and resolved.

He said the time was not right for using net launchers against those coming for the long march, and that serious dialogue must take place when a major long march was underway.

Gohar added that the party's programme had been announced well in advance and there would be no change in it.