The Raiwind rally, which will head towards Adda plot where the party’s chairman Imran Khan will deliver an address on September 30, will also receive different convoys at multiple points. PHOTO: RIZWAN ASIF/EXPRESS
LAHORE: So it’s decided. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf much-trumpeted Raiwind rally will be held at the Adda plot – over three miles away from Jati Umrah, the palatial residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The venue was announced by the party’s leadership on Wednesday in Lahore after PTI’s Central Punjab President Abdul Aleem Khan visited one of the three possible sites – Bhuptian Chowk, being considered for the protest on Raiwind road.
During his visit to Bhuptain Chowk, Aleem warned the PML-N against using its ‘Janisar force’ to sabotage their peaceful rally. “If the situation turns violent, it will only be because of the government and PML-N leaders, who have been threatening to use violence against us,” he added.
He reiterated the party’s resolve to remain peaceful, adding the PM residence would remain secure. “But we will retaliate if we are forced to,” Aleem said.
He was also dismissive of the security threats, saying the party understood well the need to secure the country’s integrity but that it would not remain silent over corruption.
The PTI had been deliberating over the decision to hold the rally on Adda plot, which was being viewed as a site in close proximity to the PM’s private residence.
Despite some reservations regarding the venue, a lobby within the party was advocating the decision to go ahead with the protest at Adda plot.
Having been proposed by the party’s former Punjab president Ejaz Chauhdry, the venue had been a bone of contention for long especially after it stirred a negative reaction from the opposition.
The Raiwind rally, which will head towards Adda plot where the party’s chairman Imran Khan will deliver an address on September 30, will also receive different convoys at multiple points.
But while the venue of the protest has finally been decided, the party’s future course of action, once it holds the Raiwind rally, remains unclear.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed said the plan of action would be announced by the party chairman on September 30.
Govt to provide security
Meanwhile, the Punjab government issued instructions to the local administration and police to arrange security for the PTI’s march.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said police would provide security to the participants of the march. “We believe in democratic values and will given the PTI adequate security to let them exercise their democratic right to protest,” he said, advising the PTI workers not to resort to violence.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2016.
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