LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has formally started inviting political parties to participate in the upcoming 'Azadi March' on Islamabad on Aug 14.

The PTI has given formal invitations to the Jamaat-i-Islami, PML-Q, Awami Muslim League, Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, Sunni Ittehad Council and Sunni Tehrik.

PTI Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry says political parties are holding meetings and will respond to the invitation in due course of time.

Besides, the PTI's Punjab chapter has intensified its preparations for the Azadi March. It has mobilised the youth to begin motorcycle rallies in respective constituencies across the province to woo public support for the 'decisive battle'. Candidates of national and provincial assemblies in their respective constituencies are supposed to monitor motorcycle rallies and the mass-contact drive.

The PTI will continue to hold Azadi March Workers' Convention in respective districts till Aug 11.

applications: The PTI Punjab chapter has invited applications from party members for a ticket to contest by-election in PP-162.

The constituency had fallen vacant after the death of PML-N MPA Muhammad Khurram Gulfam.

PTI's Hafiz Tayyab Zaman Dhillon had lost the general election in May 2013 with 8,171 votes as Mr Gulfam bagged 28,019 votes.

Ejaz Chaudhry has asked the intending candidates to submit their applications at PTI Punjab secretariat in Lahore by Aug 5.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2014