LAHORE: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday urged the public to reach Minar-e-Pakistan for the party political power show despite restrictions on roads and police crackdown.
Imran Khan is optimistic about holding a successful power show. Taking to Twitter, Khan said tonight the PTI would hold its sixth gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, and “my heart tells me today’s rally will break all records”.
“I’m inviting everyone in Lahore to attend the rally after Tarawih prayers. I will reveal my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi and how we will pull Pakistan out of the mess the cabal of crooks have put our country in,” he wrote.
Tonight will be our 6th jalsa at Minar i Pakistan & my heart tells me it will break all records.I am inviting everyone in Lahore to attend after Tarawih prayers.I will give my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi & how we will pull Pak out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023
“They will place all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending the rally, but I want to remind our people that it is their basic right to attend a political gathering. Everyone should assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence and come to Minar-e-Pakistan.”
They will put all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending, but I want to remind our ppl that it is their fundamental right to attend a political gathering. Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence & come to Minar i Pakistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023
On Friday night, PTI leaders Azam Swati, Zulfi Bukhari, and Hammad Azhar visited the venue to review preparations for the jalsa. Speaking to the media, Azhar said the Met Office had predicted rains but pledged to hold the rally in every situation. “We have made arrangements to pump out water from the Minar-i-Pakistan ground,” he said.
Routes for Imran Khan’s arrival
He said the route for the arrival of Imran Khan had been kept secret due to security reasons, adding that a bullet-proof stage had been prepared for the former premier.
Speaking on the occasion, Zulfi Bukhari said: “Whether wicket is dry or wet, we will play tonight.”
Authorities block roads in Lahore
The authorities concerned have blocked various roads, including entry and exit points, in the Punjab capital to thwart the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan tonight (Saturday).
The political show comes despite the postponement of elections in Punjab as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been excused from holding polls due to financial and security constraints.
All roads leading to Minar-i-Pakistan have been barricaded by parking trucks carrying shipping containers, while Ravi bridge and Thokar Niaz Baig – the two major entry and exit points – have also been closed to traffic. The measures to prevent the political gathering caused hurdles for commuters who headed for their jobs and workplaces earlier in the day.
The areas where containers have been placed include Shah Alam Market, Bansawala Bazaar, and the railway station.
In a tweet, the City Traffic Police said the following roads are closed for traffic “from Lohay Wali Pulli towards Sabzi Mandi, outgate Lorri Adda towards Sabzi Mandi, R/O Lorri Adda towards Sabzi Mandi, both sides of old Ravi bridge, both sides of new Ravi bridge, Barkat Pulli towards Shahdara, Masti gate towards Railway Station, Railway Station towards Masti Gate, Moria bridge towards Railway Station, Railway Station towards Ik Moria from beneath and flyover, Bohar Wala Chowk, Railway Road, Brendth Road and Hafiz hotel, District Chowk towards Workshop Chowk both sides, Peer Makki U-turn both sides, Retigun chowk towards SSP corner. The police have asked people to take alternate routes.
درج ذیل سڑکیں ٹریفک کے لیے بند ہیں.براہ کرم متبادل راستے اختیار کریں اور 15 پر کال کریں یا مدد کے لیے اپنے موبائل پر RASTA APP ڈاؤن لوڈ کریں۔#ctplahore #services pic.twitter.com/SyCEUUXHpm
— Lahore Traffic Police (@ctplahore) March 25, 2023
Police crackdown against PTI workers
Meanwhile, police have arrested several PTI leaders and workers in a wide-scale crackdown in various cities across the country.
PTI Secretary General Asad Umar said a massive crackdown on party activists was launched in Islamabad. He said even injured party workers had been arrested.
Police conducted overnight raids to arrest the PTI workers and leaders in Lahore, Vehari, Burewala, Bhakkar, Mian Channu, and other cities.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday said the collation government would not bow to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s stubborn attitude.
