Ex-PM Imran Khan’s party holds massive power show in Lahore amidst police crackdown

Sept. 21, 2024, 5:15 p.m.

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Political tensions heightened in Islamabad as Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), organized a large-scale gathering. After the 6 p.m. deadline passed, the police took action by cutting off the power supply and silencing the sound system.

A significant number of Khan's supporters began assembling at the designated location in the morning, even though there were reports that the police planned to close off all access points to the rally by early afternoon.

This incident is the most recent development in a series of events characterized by heightened tensions between the PTI and the government. Although the rally was initially authorized, the authorities subsequently withdrew the no-objection certificate (NOC), citing security concerns.

In the beginning of the month, the PTI organized a large gathering on the outskirts of Islamabad. This led to legal action against their leaders for breaking their agreement with authorities.

News reports indicate that ten PTI lawmakers were detained within the Parliament House in Islamabad. These arrests were made due to accusations of threatening police officers at the rally site.

The government had granted permission to the PTI to conduct the rally between 3 pm and 6 pm. The police had sealed off all access points leading to the venue and at 6 pm turned off the lights and sound system, forcibly taking control of the stage amidst protests from the participants and the PTI leadership.

This marked the first public gathering permitted for the PTI since the events of May 9, 2023. During those events, supporters of the party allegedly attacked military facilities following the arrest of Khan.

Prior to the police assuming control of the stage, a pre-recorded speech by the former cricketer-turned-politician was being played at the rally.

”I will not accept this government of mandate thieves under any circumstances. These individuals are corrupt and not acceptable to the people,” Khan, 71, declared to the rally participants.

He also administered an oath to the participants, pledging to uphold the Constitution and not yield to any force.

In a recent message on X, Khan encouraged the nation to participate in the Lahore jalsa (rally) with unwavering determination and commitment.

”Opposing this unlawful government is a duty that every responsible citizen must embrace. This is a fight for the well-being of our future generations,” Khan asserted.

The scheduled keynote speaker of the rally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had not yet arrived at the venue when police intervened and forced the attendees to disperse.

”Despite the barricading of roads leading to the Lahore gathering by the oppressive regime, the Pakistani people managed to reach the event,” stated Sheikh Waqas, a senior PTI leader.

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted that the rally was an unsuccessful endeavor. Tarar denied any road closures in Lahore or any other location.

Khan, imprisoned for 14 months, declared on Friday that the September 21 Lahore rally was a decisive moment for PTI. He asserted that the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, and if denied, PTI supporters would willingly face imprisonment. Khan urged citizens to participate in the rally.

On Friday, the party saturated social media with numerous messages encouraging public participation in the Lahore rally.

Advertisement With inputs from PTI.