PR obtained from MQI: For immediate release: 13/01/13

For immediate release: 13/01/13

‘Defiant public not deterred by government threats as tens of thousands of people join Dr Qadri’s ‘Democracy March’.

Despite the dense winter fog and the Punjab government’s decision to turn off street lights, making it virtually impossible to see, participants of Pakistan’s Long March have safely reached Gujranwala. Latest figures estimate participant numbers in the region of circa 300,000. The size of the demonstration continues to swell as thousands of peaceful protestors join the procession heading towards the capital. In spite of police forcing bridge closures such as the Jhelum Bridge on G.T. Road, as well as partially suspending the country’s mobile phone network, people are determined to ensure they reach Islamabad where Dr Qadri plans to address the public outside the Parliament building.