PTI Jalsa: ‘The tsunami will be revived’

Party officials expect over half a million participants.

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) has finalised arrangements for its party gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan on March 23 (Saturday). Chairperson Imran Khan is slated to administer oath to newly elected party officials, kick-off the election campaign and present the party manifesto, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Party officials say there would be several speeches as well as national songs and music suited for a patriotic mood.

The organising committee has rented 50,000 chairs. As many as 3,000 youths will perform various volunteers duties including providing security and guiding the participants to designated areas.

The police will deploy 1,500 personnel for security. Five entry and exit gates will be installed, including two gates reserved to use in an emergency. Out of the three gates, two would be for men and one for women. The party will install 16 walk-through gates. Drinking water will be provided. Separate areas have been reserved for the media and observers.

PTI Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry said Khan would administer the oath to 80,000 newly elected office bearers. All the newly elected office-bearers have been directed to ensure participation to mark a show of strength. Chaudhry predicted over half a million participants.

Dr Yasmin Rashid, the newly elected general secretary of the Punjab chapter, concurred with Chaudhry on the numbers. She said the most participants would be from central and west Punjab. This, she said, was a good opportunity for those seeking party tickets to show their strength.

“We are expecting all aspirants for tickets to bring supporters to hear the change manifesto,” Rashid added. She said she expected 70 per cent of the city’s population to participate “directly or indirectly”.

Central information secretary Shafqat Mehmood said people from all walks of life would be taking part in the gathering. “The gathering will mark the revival of The Tsunami. Leaders will deliver speeches, the young will present national songs and bands will play music. It will be the biggest political gathering in the history of Pakistan.”

Mehmood said that it was a shame that some government officials were removing PTI posters and banners. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2013.