Gloomy end of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s highly anticipated power show in Lahore as police cleared the stage and turned off the lights after the 6 PM deadline on Saturday.
Supporters used cellphones to illuminate the venue after the sound system was shut off due to conditions of the no-objection certificate. Punjab government had granted the PTI permission to hold the rally at Kahna after a standoff, but only under 43 conditions
Supporters of Imran Khan’s party started leaving Kahna rally site in Lahore after police took control and turned off the lights.The event started an hour and a half late, despite being scheduled early.
This rally was PTI’s second public gathering since September 8, with a heavy police presence and barbed wire set up around the venue. Authorities blocked the Islamabad-Lahore motorway to prevent supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from reaching the event and closed entry points to Lahore to stop KP Chief Minister Gandapur from arriving.
Despite the challenges, speakers, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and other leaders, addressed the crowd. Additionally, police arrested several PTI workers ahead of the rally and reportedly confiscated the assembly card of MPA Tarab Rashid Sindhu. The closure of the motorway created significant delays for travelers, leading to long queues at toll plazas.
Amid the rally, PTI leader Hammad Azhar is facing arrest in May 9 related case as Punjab government announced its intention to tighten noose on those behind attacks on civilian and military installations.
At a press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that if any suspect from the May 9 incidents was spotted at the rally, action would be taken.
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