LAHORE: Defying the Punjab government’s strict security measures, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers gathered at Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday. Despite heavy tear gas and baton charges, the supporters marched to the historic site to show their strength.
The PTI workers, chanting slogans, responded to party founder Imran Khan’s call. They assembled to celebrate Khan’s birthday and pass the “Haqeeqi Azadi” (Real Freedom) resolution at the very spot where the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940.
Although the government had imposed Section 144 in Lahore and other cities, banning political gatherings, PTI supporters came out in large numbers. The government deployed Rangers in Lahore, placed roadblocks, and put police and paramilitary forces on high alert to prevent gatherings.
Law and Order
The Punjab government, following the recommendations of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, also requested army troops for security. However, the Home Department clarified that these troops were mainly for the security of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. “Army troops will be deployed as needed in Rawalpindi and Attock,” a spokesperson stated.
Despite these measures, PTI’s Lahore General Secretary, Awais Younas, declared, “Your tear gas will run out, but our passion to reach Minar-i-Pakistan will not subside.” He was later arrested, alongside several other PTI leaders, including Lahore MPA Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti and ticket-holders Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar and Malik Nadeem Bara. The whereabouts of Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, remained unknown late into the night.
Earlier, PTI lawyers and workers briefly gathered at GPO Chowk and outside Aiwan-i-Adal, only to be dispersed by the police. However, by evening, large groups of supporters emerged from various areas, removing barricades and marching towards Minar-i-Pakistan. By 10 PM, the PTI supporters were still gathering at the site, showing no sign of backing down.
PTI’s resolve to maintain its protest
Hammad Azhar, PTI Punjab’s Acting President, announced that the party’s political committee had decided to continue the protests. “In the event of further arrests, the second-tier leadership will take charge,” he stated. Azhar’s statement hinted at PTI’s resolve to maintain its protest, despite the government’s efforts to suppress the gathering.
In a tweet, party leader Salman Akram Raja reinforced the message, saying PTI would continue protesting against proposed constitutional amendments. “This protest will spread across Pakistan, and every citizen will become a part of it,” he added.
Late into the night, caravans of PTI workers from surrounding cities arrived at the protest site. Despite intense security efforts, the demonstrators remained undeterred, showing their commitment to Khan’s call for “real freedom.”
The widespread use of tear gas during the protest also affected nearby residents, with many women and children suffering from the gas. Protesters, meanwhile, washed their eyes with water as they reached the protest venue.
Imran Khan had issued a “Do or Die” order, instructing those who couldn’t reach Lahore to stage protests in their own cities. The determination of PTI workers across the country underscored their loyalty and commitment to the party’s cause.
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