ISLAMABAD: With little to do but wait for political leaders to make speeches, participants of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Azadi March camped out on Kashmir Highway have turned to games and literature to pass the time.

On Tuesday, some were seen participating in a literary circle where several people recited poetry to keep the protesters’ spirits up. Over the last few days, participants have also taken up various traditional sports and games.

Nawaz Ali, who was reciting poetry and singing party songs to motivate his fellow protesters, said: “I cannot speak Urdu so I presented by kalam in Pashto.” He added that he used his poetry to highlight the role and abilities of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Safdar Shah from Peshawar was among the listeners.

“I feel good. Such things motivate us to continue our struggle; our struggle is to end the rule of Imran Khan’s government,” he said.

Another participant who joined in with the recitations said the literary circle was a fun way to express their commitment with their cause, and to stay united and motivated to force the resignation of the “selected” prime minister.

Although they have been camping on Kashmir Highway in H-9 and G-9 since last Thursday, the protesters remained enthusiastic and expressed the willingness to obey whatever decision their leaders make.

“We have made all the arrangements to deal with emergencies. We even have temporary sheets to avoid rain. We are here for a long stay to achieve our goals,” Saraj Khan from Quetta said.

He said the motivational and party songs were not a planned Azadi March activity, but a few people who enjoy listening to and reciting poetry were taking part in the small gathering.

Protesters have also taken to playing cricket, football, volleyball and traditional games such as langri and another where a group tosses one person into the air and catches him on a fabric sheet.

Kashmir Highway, typically flooded with traffic, has now become a playground for younger protesters. Some have even been performing motorcycle stunts such as wheelies on the empty road.

Sikander Khan, who has come from Khyber Agency with friends and cousins, is a fan of Shahid Afridi. He and his friends have been playing cricket on Kashmir Highway to kill time in the afternoons.

Mr Khan said: “We play cricket in our area but we did not expect to play in Islamabad.” He added that he never thought he would come to Islamabad, let alone play cricket there.

Another marcher, 32-year-old Mohammad Azmat from Bannu, said they had bought a football from a nearby market and decided to hold a match with a group from Peshawar.

“We decided to play football. It will be memorable for us. Finding this new activity brought us out of boredom from the routine of sleeping, waking up and listening to speeches,” he said.

Naseer Ahmed, another participant, said they have also been visiting various parts of the capital. “We mostly go in the morning and return before the speeches start.”

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2019