Out in the cold, undeterred

Despite the chilly weather, long march participants have been adamant in their stance and have vowed to stay put until their demands are met.
Even though hundreds of people caught fever and flu due to the cold, they have been determined to stay with their leader and press for their demands. Women and children were the first to catch colds however they were given medical treatment by the Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) volunteer teams.
Around 31 ambulances have been deployed at the site of the long march. Paramedic teams and doctors have also treated many patients for colds, fever and body ache.
People from all age groups have camped at the rally site and most of them are 18-23 years old. Adil Ahmed, a 19 year old, said, “This is the first time I will cast my vote, but I don’t believe the current electoral system will allow competent people to contest elections, and that is why I’m protesting for electoral reform.”
Many poor people who cannot afford to feed their families have joined the rally. “There is a shortage of gas, electricity, petrol, diesel and the prices of items of daily use have skyrocketed,” said Zia Toor, a protestor. “I’m here for change,” he added. Several students were seen protesting at the event. “I don’t want to start my professional life in such a dark period,” said Hashim, a 16-year-old. “I want this selfish regime over thrown so I can be able to secure my future,” he added.
Ammar, another participant, said that he had not gone to work for three days as protesting the current regime was a greater cause. “We have been facing a shortage of potable water here, but that’s the least of our worries, we need to change the system,” he said.
Hundreds of vendors had been taking advantage of the large gathering and were seen selling food and water to the participants of the march. They had set up stalls on both sides of the Jinnah Avenue to sell their wares. “Business is great nowadays, I have been selling tea here for five years, but have never had so many customers at once,” said a happy tea stall owner.
Newspaper hawkers also sold hundreds of newspapers at the rally. The protesters have been keeping themselves updates this way as they have no other sources of communicating with the wider.