Much-awaited rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Lahore today started with a number of challenges as power outages brought the event to a stop shortly after the 6 pm deadline given by the Punjab government. Rally was held in Kahna along Lahore’s Ring Road as police personnel arrived on stage soon after lights went out and sound system were shut off. However, apparently despite all this, supporters of the PTI lit up the venue with the glow of their cellphones, according to what was witnessed through footage on the party’s social media.
The PTI had been keen on organizing the rally at Greater Iqbal Park near Minar-e-Pakistan, but Kahna was instead allocated to them. Following a long standoff between the PTI and the Punjab government, the PTI finally managed to be granted permission for the rally, but it would be with stern adherence to 43 conditions issued by the authorities. The conditions included security measures, curbs on hate speeches, and the restrictions of holding the rally between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Several PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, faced hurdles as they journeyed to the rally. Videos appeared on social media as Gandapur personally led a convoy past roadblocks, while Ayub announced he was coming to Lahore despite the restrictions.
Punjab government on Sunday has issued the detention orders for five PTI leaders earlier in the day citing safety of public and problems in Law enforcing apparatus, included PTI’s Lahore vice president Akmal Khan Bari in the list of accused which incites public unrest.
The rally was kept under close watch by the authorities who had given permission for it subject to a few restrictions, including no anti-state slogans, no Afghan flags, and those whose cases were pending for hate speeches were prohibited from attending it.
Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the PTI rally said that the party does not have the gathering of public and resorted to playing the old footage of rallies to confuse the gullible nation. The PTI responded with videos showing supporters marching towards Lahore from all parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, navigating roadblocks along the way.
The rally permission was given when Lahore High Court yesterday directed Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza to decide PTI’s application for the gathering by 5 pm yesterday. Even though laying down certain conditions, PTI stuck to holding its power show, though it eventually ended in chaos with disruptions.