PTI gets NOC to flex political muscles

The Islamabad district administration on Thursday formally issued a no-objection certificate to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground on March 27.

The PTI’s important public gathering is going to be held ahead of voting on the no-trust motion submitted by the joint opposition in the lower house of parliament against Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said earlier that he still had a “trump card” or two up his sleeve that he would play a day before the opposition’s no-confidence motion.

The prime minister has also made it clear that he would not sit quietly in case the no-confidence move against him succeeds.

The ruling PTI has finalised arrangements for the Parade Ground rally. The party will formally set the stage on Friday (today) at the Parade Ground. Around 60x120 feet large stage is expected to be prepared for the crucial public rally.

There will be a special enclosure for the seating of 2,000 people including VVIP personalities. There will be a separate venue for women and a separate enclosure for journalists. Three containers of drinking water bottles will be made avail at the avenue to quench the thirst of shouting and jeering party workers and supporters of the premier.

A state-of-the-art lighting system will be installed at the venue with the arrangement of large LED screens on the premises and nearby roads.

PTI sources said that a sound system will also be put in place to play party slogans and songs. All preparations for the public rally will be completed by 12 midnight on Saturday.

Federal Ministers Asad Umar, Ali Zaidi, Pervez Khattak, Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan and PTI Chief Administrator Secretariat Zahid Hussain Kazmi approved the nitty-gritty details regarding the preparations for the party rally, sources said.

PTI Administrator Secretariat Zahid Hussain Kazmi told The Express Tribune that the programme will start at 3 pm on Sunday and will continue till nightfall.

“The people of Pakistan will hold a public referendum in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan,” he said adding that separate parking has been made for vehicles coming from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

A proper map has been drawn up in collaboration with the Islamabad administration and the police to guide motorists and bikers who will reach the venue in the shape of rallies, he said

The sound of the public will also be relayed on speakers in Faizabad and Faizabad-Zero Point Road, he said.

It should be noted that the anti-government alliance – Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – as well as other opposition parties have announced a joint public meeting at Sector H-9 in Islamabad on March 27.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2022.