By: MUHAMMAD REHAN
D I KHAN: A large number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers gathered at the residence of former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with the party’s October 4 long march, as preparations for the departure of the convoy continued.
When Ali Amin Gandapur arrived among the workers, they raised slogans in his support. Addressing the gathering, he said PTI workers were the real strength of the movement and that their welfare, encouragement and provision of facilities remained a priority.
He described October 4 as a day of determination, unity and struggle, saying party workers would follow the directions issued by the leadership.
Gandapur urged the workers to remain peaceful during the protest. He said the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had also directed workers to conduct peaceful demonstrations. He added that anyone carrying a stick would not be considered part of the workers and ruled out stone-pelting.
Meanwhile, authorities placed containers at Yarik Toll Plaza in Dera Ismail Khan and closed the route amid a heavy police presence, affecting traffic movement. The Dera-Bhakkar Bridge connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab was also closed.
Mobile phone services were reportedly partially affected in some areas amid the security arrangements.
According to local sources, the PTI convoy led by Ali Amin Gandapur had departed for its destination to participate in the October 4 long march.
