Write an essay on Azadi March (2014)
Azadi March was the planned public protest march by former-cricketer IMRAN KHAN’S political party Pakistan Tehrik-e-insaaf (PTI) against allegations of rigging in the 2013 General Elections. The march moved from Lahore to Islamabad and was joined by Molaana Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s political party Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT). Molaana Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s PAT named their march ‘Inqilab March” so as not to be confused with the PTI protest march.
Imran Khan announced plans for the protest march in his Bhawalpur jalsa on 27 June 2014. He initially named the planned protest as “Tsunami march” but later changed the name to “Azadi march”. He announced his plans to march with a million (10 Lakhs) protesters towards the capital Islamabad. Initially Tahir-ul-Qadri refused to join the Imran Khan’s March but later on he announced to go for Inqilab Mach which imposed great pressure on the Government of Pakistan.
Purposes of Azadi March:
In beginning, the Purposes of Azadi March were to reform the election system but after the refusal of Government to open the 4 constituency results, imran khan directly demanded the resign of Prime Minister and all the members of Election commission because according to him rigged mandate was better to be replaced by a lawful one.
Beside these demands main demands are:

  • Crystal Clear investigation of rigging.
  • Punishment for investigated criminals
  • Electronic Boots for election
  • Replace the rigged mandate by a lawful one.
  • Mid-term Election.
  • To end the Nawaz Government.

Response of Government:
Due to political handling, government miss managed the movement which became a threat to its mandate by delaying and empowering Imran Khan demands. Instead of resolving the issues with Imran Khan, government also announced social celebration in Islamabad to show its political strength. This had increased the threat of rise to bloodshed instead of stopping the march.
Both Imran Khan and Government were criticized in March issue. Imran Khan was criticized for
launching movement in presence of Zarb-e-Azab. Journalists called Imran Khan’s step as his wish to became prime minister of Pakistan.

Parties Who Supported the Government:
People's Party (largest opposition party) supported Government against Tahir-ul-Qadri and Imran Khan because of ppp saving democracy policy in country. Not only PPP but JUI-F, ANP and BNP supported the government. Jamat-e-Islami one after other on certain conditions and frequent meeting decided to help the government. These all opposition parties especially Jamat-e-Islami believed to help government in future to begin talks with Imran Khan. Government made a strong party with all these political parties inside parliament against PTI.
Parties Who Supported PTI:
Tahir-ul-Qadri’s PAT, PML (Q) and Shaikh Rasheed etc. supported Imran Khan against the rigged mandate. They all wanted the resign of Prime Minister and all members of election commission.
Government Plan to stop the March:
On same day at which Azadi March was expected Government announced Independence Celebration’s in Islamabad for which Officials have requested PTI to change its March date for preventing any conflict. In response, PTI refused to delay its march and blamed government celebration’s a delaying strategy. On 14 August Islamabad police announced to stop any march entering in city in presence of celebrations.
Imran Khan said;
“On 14 august 2014 we will do or die”.
On 14th of August:
All the PTI workers were with Azadi March and Police found dead body and a weapon near azadi chowk. Protest went towards Islamabad with very low speed. There were round about 2 lakhs people from Lahore which were once covering the area from Mall road to Mirna-e-Pakistan. It was a complete power showed by Imran khan and its party. Moreover, when Tahir-ul-Qadri workers joined this march, it became about 10 lakhs on road.

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