PTI Calls for Immediate Release of Imran Khan, Hints at Launching Movement in Punjab
ISLAMABAD: Following directives from the district administration, police have initiated a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers after the deadline for their highly anticipated rally at the outskirts of the federal capital expired on Sunday.
The rally, which began amid tight security in Sangjani on the outskirts of Islamabad, saw participants gathering at the venue despite roadblocks. Multiple caravans, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, made their way to the city. PTI was eventually permitted to hold the gathering today (September 8) under a no-objection certificate (NOC) issued earlier in the week, after two prior postponements in July and August due to revoked permissions. These delays had drawn significant criticism from party leaders and supporters.
This morning, the Islamabad district administration heightened security and closed several main routes into the capital, in line with the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024,” which was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari just a day before the rally. PTI leader Hammad Azhar addressed the crowd, accusing the current government of obstructing the rally out of fear of Imran Khan and his supporters.
Azhar also hinted at the launch of a movement in Punjab, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and urged PTI workers to “be ready.” He noted that much of PTI’s leadership in Punjab is currently imprisoned, paying tribute to detained leaders like Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.
Firebrand politician Sher Afzal Marwat echoed these sentiments, announcing plans to hold rallies in Punjab for Imran Khan’s release and to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. “We will bring 50,000 people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab within a week,” he declared, adding that they would even march on foot and face any obstacles, including tear gas.
As PTI leaders addressed the crowd, the Islamabad district administration issued a notification stipulating that the rally must conclude by 7pm.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that PTI had been formally notified of this deadline and warned that any failure to comply with the NOC would result in action.
“Failure to end the gathering within the specified time will be deemed a violation of the NOC,” Memon stated.
The Deputy Commissioner also announced that loudspeakers and microphones would be turned off and entry points to the city would be closed after the deadline to prevent additional participants from entering.
