Mohammad Ilyas Khan, 24, university student from Peshawar

“I am a student of software engineering at the City University in Peshawar. It is difficult for me to take long holidays to participate in the PTI sit-in that’s why I visit Islamabad on the weekend.

Though it is also difficult for other supporters of the PTI from other cities to participate in the sit-in, I believe that we will succeed in getting ‘Azadi’ from the corrupt system.

Change has already come and people are standing up for their rights and raising their voice against the VIP culture. The offloading of the two so-called VIPs by the passengers from a PIA flight from Karachi to Islamabad a few days ago for their late arrival also showed people are fed up with the system.”

Even a month after the sit-ins began, the participants who come from different cities are sure that they would achieve the objectives set by their respective leaders

Khalid Mehmood, 52, social worker from Gujrat

“I am a supporter of the PTI but come to Islamabad only on the weekend as it is difficult for me to participate in the sit-in for more than one or two days.

I am not happy with the PML-N government as it has made the lives of the citizens miserable due to the price hike.

It looks that the PTI chief will succeed in getting the resignation of Nawaz Sharif who was elected after rigging in the last year elections.

Chaudhry Mukhtar, who was a candidate of the PTI for a provincial assembly seat in Kharian, has arranged six vehicles for bringing people to the sit-in site and back.”

Arsalan Khan, 24, university student from Peshawar

“I am an engineering student at a private university in Peshawar and reached here with a group of 60 students to participate in the sit-in of the PTI.

It is difficult for me to remain absent from the university that’s why I come to Islamabad on the weekend.

I am confident that the PTI chief will not end the sit-in without getting the resignation of the prime minister. I am a big supporter of Imran Khan because of his strong will power.

I am aware that change does not take place overnight, but things are improving for the better. Youth will bring change therefore we all should come forward for the cause and genuinely work for ‘Naya Pakistan’.”

Aqib Shahzad, 16, a student from Gujranwala

“My father is a follower of the PAT chief. I reached Islamabad to participate in the sit-in on the directions of my father.

“No one was expecting that the sit-in would be prolonged. Some of my friends have informed me that I have been expelled from my school due to the month-long absence.

“I am a student of class 10th and will be appearing in the annual examination in March next year. But it looks difficult for me to obtain good marks due to the lack of preparations.

“Though it is difficult for me to stay under the open sky without electricity and other basic facilities here, it is necessary, as my father believes, to bring a revolution in the country.”

Munir Hussain, 48, a labourer from Islamabad

“I am a resident of Islamabad and it is easy for me to participate in the sit-in called by Dr Qadri.

Although, it was difficult for me and my family to stay in the sit-in all the time, we stayed at the sit-in on the orders of our chief.

However once he allowed us to go home, we spend every evening at the sit-in. It is now convenient for me and my family as we return home after the speech.

We are here to get our rights and will never leave the place untill our leader asks us to. I don’t think the ongoing struggle of the PAT chief will remain unsuccessful. But if we fail to achieve our objectives this time, it will be the will of Allah.”

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2014