Imran Khan’s PTI Faces Roadblocks for Rawalpindi Protest
Rawalpindi, Pakistan – Ahead of the massive protests called by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) today, the provincial government in Pakistan has banned all public gatherings and stationed paramilitary forces in Rawalpindi. PTI had initially planned to hold a ‘jalsa’ at Liaquat Bagh, but party founder Imran Khan changed the decision, stating that the government would not allow the event in the city and designated a venue in the suburbs.
In a video message, PTI Punjab acting president Hammad Azhar announced that the party would hold a ‘massive but peaceful political public gathering’ at 2 pm. He urged supporters to reach the venue on time, as the previous gathering in Lahore was forcibly cleared by the police for extending beyond the allowed time.
Despite PTI leaders’ vows to reach the venue ‘despite all hurdles,’ it won’t be easy. Rawalpindi Police, Rangers, and Punjab Constabulary have planned to ‘lay a virtual siege’ to the city to stop PTI workers. Roads will be blocked with containers and barbed wires, and no traffic will be able to enter or exit the city.
On Friday, the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock districts requested the Punjab Home Department to ban all gatherings in the city. Following this, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, was imposed, banning all kinds of gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests, and activities like carrying or displaying weapons.
Despite these restrictions, PTI leaders have vowed to reach the venue. PTI Lahore president Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood said workers and supporters from Punjab’s capital would reach Liaqat Bagh ‘to lead the movement launched for the independence of the judiciary.’ PTI would continue its struggle until the law and Constitution are upheld.
Meanwhile, shopkeepers of the nearby Raja Bazaar and Murree Road have expressed their annoyance at the planned activity, anticipating disruption in their business due to the protest. Traders Association President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha said the government should allocate a separate space for protests as it disturbs business activities and movement of people on roads. He added that traders were already suffering from financial woes due to the high cost of electricity and gas.
Earlier this year, Jamaat-i-Islami held a days-long sit-in on Murree Road against the high cost of electricity. There were also demonstrations by teachers, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, and other religious parties.
Doubts Revealed
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous cricketer turned politician in Pakistan. He is the founder of the political party called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He has also served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
PTI -: PTI stands for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is a political party in Pakistan. It was founded by Imran Khan and aims to bring justice and fight corruption in the country.
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is a city in Pakistan, located near the capital city, Islamabad. It is known for its military headquarters and is an important city in the country.
provincial government -: The provincial government is the government that manages a specific region or province within a country. In this case, it refers to the government of the province where Rawalpindi is located.
paramilitary forces -: Paramilitary forces are special groups of soldiers that are not part of the regular army but are trained to help with security and law enforcement. They are often used to control large crowds and maintain order.
suburbs -: Suburbs are areas located on the outskirts of a city. They are usually less crowded and have more residential homes compared to the city center.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law in India and Pakistan that allows the government to ban gatherings of people in a specific area. It is used to prevent protests and maintain public order.
