Islamabad, September 8, 2024- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s senior leadership has announced plans to hold another rally in Lahore, with Ali Amin Gandapur stating that the party would continue its fight for justice. Addressing a rally here in the outskirts of Islamabad on Sunday evening, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) warned the current government not to underestimate PTI’s strength, emphasizing that the movement for “real freedom” would not be stopped. He also hinted at further confrontations, stating that if oppression continues, PTI supporters are prepared to engage in “sacrificial jihad.”
Ali Amin Gandapur said that cases against former Prime Minister of Pakistan have been ended and he should be released in a week’s time, else we release him from the jail ourselves.
Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that the entire nation stood with “Prisoner No. 804” (a reference to PTI’s imprisoned leader). He vowed not to allow a military trial for the party’s founder and threatened to launch a countrywide movement if he is not released. Similarly, PTI leader Aamir Dogar proclaimed that “the revolution is at its doorstep” and urged supporters to prepare for more protests.
Other noted leaders who addressed the rally included Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, Ali Muhammad Khan, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Sher Afzal Marwat, Amir Mughal and others.
Violation of NOC, Rally Proceeds Beyond Permitted Time
The district administration had granted PTI permission to hold the rally at the Sangjani cattle market, with a stipulated end time of 7 PM. However, the rally continued beyond the deadline, violating the No Objection Certificate (NOC). The district magistrate issued an official notice directing the immediate evacuation of the rally site and announced legal action against the organizers for violating the NOC terms.
Police Injuries and Administrative Response
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad saw clashes between participants and the police at the 26 Number Chungi area, resulting in injuries to several officers, including SSP Safe City, Shoaib Khan. PTI workers reportedly violated the designated route, leading to stone-pelting. The police responded by calling in reinforcements from the Frontier Corps (FC) and firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Despite the rally’s defiance of the NOC, PTI supporters remain adamant in their demands, heightening the already volatile political climate.
