Abdul Malik, daily-wage labourer

I have been living in the open for weeks but this does not bother me. It is just like my village in Dir Bala.

Our leaders are working for Naya Pakistan, where everyone can move freely. I listen to Murad Saeed and Imran Khan’s speeches and also enjoy other activities of the sit-in, especially during the evening.

We get quality food thrice a day and can live here as long as Imran Khan asks us to.

The leadership has introduced a good system for food distribution and everyone attending the sit-in can have quality food without paying a rupee.

Mohammad Ikram, 9, student

I study in class one, but I do not know the name of my school. It is situated somewhere near Qainchi Stop in Lahore.

I came to Islamabad with my elder brother, who is a follower of Dr Qadri. My brother has allowed me to move freely. I also beat up some of the policemen, using a baton, during the clashes.

I do not know exactly why the sit-in is taking place, but it is like a festival for me.

The only difference is that I can get free food here. Some of the generous people also donate biscuits and cold drinks to me and my peers.

Mohammad Ilyas, 28, banker

I am a banker by profession. I work in Allied Bank in district Kohat.

I took 15 days off from my office, but now I am ready to take holidays for the next two weeks so that change is brought in the country under the leadership of the PTI chief, Imran Khan.

Although, it is difficult for people

like me to sleep on footpaths, but I am committed to my cause, as well as my leadership.

I know, it is not easy to bring change under the ongoing democratic system, but I am hopeful that we will succeed.

Mohammad Asif Qadri, 37, expat

I reached Islamabad to participate in the revolution march from Spain. It is very difficult to sleep on roads, but I believe my chief, Allama Tahirul Qadri, will bring revolution in the country.

In the beginning, I was having meals at hotels, but now I am eating communal meals with my friends at the sit-in. Although, I am happy with my life, I always feel sorry for the sufferings of the people.

This is why I am in Pakistan to bring a revolution. Earlier, we lacked proper leaders, but now we have a pure leadership that will change Pakistan.

Advocate Rana Imran, 32, lawyer

I am a member of the PAT. I reached Islamabad on August 14 to participate in the long march. I also succeeded to bring around 300 people from my union council for the Inqilab March.

I don’t believe in the ongoing democratic system.

We will follow the directions of our chief to bring a revolution in the country.

I was here along with my family members, but my family returned two days ago because my wife was suffering from fever. I am ready to stay till the revolution in the country.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd , 2014