Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was granted permission on Friday to hold its much-anticipated power show in Lahore, despite a government crackdown on its members. The Lahore High Court intervened, directing local authorities to allow the event under strict conditions.
Strict Conditions Set for the Rally
The district administration, following a high court order, issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with 43 conditions for the rally. The power show will take place on Saturday at Ring Road, Kahna, from 3 PM to 6 PM. PTI is pushing to extend the time to 11 PM, with negotiations still underway.
Among the conditions:
– No hate speech or anti-state statements.
– Afghan flags and paid manpower from Afghanistan are banned.
– Leaders facing hate speech trials are prohibited from speaking.
– The administration is responsible for arresting any proclaimed offenders at the rally.
PTI’s Rally: A ‘Do-Or-Die’ Moment
Imran Khan, who remains in jail, called the rally a “do-or-die” moment for his party. The PTI aims to highlight three key issues:
1. Demand for Khan’s release.
2. Upholding the Constitution.
3. Protesting against soaring inflation.
Rising Tensions Ahead of the Rally
Earlier, authorities denied PTI permission to hold the rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, leading to clashes and the arrest of 50 PTI members across Punjab. The party’s leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are preparing for the rally, hoping for a large turnout to pressure the government.
Lahore Prepares for PTI’s Show of Strength
The rally in Lahore is expected to draw significant attention as PTI prepares to make its voice heard amid escalating political tension.
