Participants of Imran Khan's long march not welcome in any Islamabad hotel

In an unusual move, Islamabad police on Saturday barred hotels and guest houses in the federal capital from providing accommodation to the participants of the long march led by former Pakistan premier Imran Khan to force the government to announce a date for early general elections. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has also directed television channels not to live telecast PTI leaders' speeches and the long march, according to its notification of October 28.

The PEMRA said it was observed during a speech that "statements against state institutions were aired live" in violation of the code of conduct and court orders. It warned that legal action, leading to suspensions and revocation of licences, would be initiated in case of non-compliance.

The long march dubbed as 'Haqeeqi Azadi March' began from the Liberty Chowk area in Lahore on late Friday afternoon and the participants moved slowly as his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Ins.