Journey according to Chandio
The PPP’s Maula Bux Chandio, according to Daily Express (16 October 2019), expressed his view that a clan of liars (jhooton ka kunba) was slowly beginning to tell the truth. In his view, the ruling party began with promises of 10 million jobs, went through eggs (andon se hoti hui) and finally arrived at denial via Fawad Chaudhry (Fawad ki zubani inkar tak pohanchi).
Never say never
Daily Jang (16 October 2019) quoted Railways minister Sheikh Rashid as saying that he had never said that PM Imran Khan would never make a deal. The minister continued that the PM would honour the votes cast against thieves by the people (woh choron ke khilaf diay gaye awam ke vote ki laaj rakhein ge).
Not his problem
Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman of the JUI-F, according to Daily Jang (16 October 2019), stated his position that an “in-house” change (in-house tabdeeli) was not his headache (hamara dard-e-sar nahin hai). He further emphasized that his party had kept no other option (doosra option rakha hee nahin hai).
Promise from Modi
Daily Jang (16 October 2019) reported that Indian PM Narendra Modi had reiterated his commitment to stopping Pakistan’s water supply (Pakistan ka pani zaroor rokoon ga). He was further quoted as saying that for 70 years, waters on which Indian farmers had a right, were instead flowing towards Pakistani areas.
On censorship
According to Daily Jang (17 October 2019), the Print and Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) clarified that there was no censorship or restriction. Furthermore, it stated that in accordance with the Code of Conduct, all TV channels had been asked to avoid airing any live speeches, etc. which caused religious hatred, incitement to violence or disorder.
Too hasty?
Shahid Afridi, according to Daily Dunya (18 October 2019), is of the view that Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman was holding his dharna protests too hastily and too early (bohat jaldi aur waqt se pehlay kar rahay hein). In his view, the government needed to be given more time.
En route
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan, according to Daily Jang (14 October 2019), claimed that two families were in jail due to their black deeds (siyah kartooton ke baais jail mein hein) and that they had made their children the fuel (eendhan) for their greed (hawas). She added that it had been PM Imran Khan’s promise to get thieves and looters to their real place (asli jagah), and that some had already arrived there while others were en route and would arrive in time.
Out of the question
Defence Minister and leader of the committee deputed to negotiate with opposition JUI-F, Pervez Khattak, according to Daily Dunya (18 October 2019), stated that the demand for PM Imran Khan’s resignation was ridiculous (mazahika-khez) and that it could not be discussed. He further asked that Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman ought to state his agenda.
Siraj-ul-Haq on tabdeeli
Siraj-ul-Haq of the Jamaat-e-Islami, according to Daily Dunya (19 October 2019), took the view that a joke had been made at the expense of the people, in the name of change (tabdeeli). He went on to claim that institutions which were earlier mentioned with respect were now facing criticism everywhere.
Preventive measures
Daily Express (19 October 2019) reported that police in the federal capital were taking preemptive measures to derail the Azadi March. These included a restriction across the district on all businesses that might cooperate with the protesters by providing sound systems, catering, tents, hotels or motels.