PTI shifts power show venue to Lahore

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has shifted the venue of its August 13 power show from Parade Ground in Islamabad to Lahore Hockey Stadium, party’s social media focal person Azhar Mashwani said, hours after the TLP announced its Nazriya Pakistan March and Conference at Faizabad.

TLP Information Secretary Muhammad Amjad Rizvi, in a statement, said that the party sought permission to organise a public gathering at Parade Ground in Islamabad, but did not receive approval.

Rizvi said that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah allowed PTI to hold a jalsa at the venue, but denied approval to his party, adding that the party would now gather workers at Faizabad on August 13 for the purpose.

“Is it just a coincidence or the handiwork of conspirators” that “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf decided to hold a meeting in Rawalpindi-Islamabad between August 13 and 14, but TLP announced to shut down Faizabad”, the PTI social media focal person said on his official Twitter account.

“On the night of August 13 and 14, the PTI and the proud Pakistanis of Lahore will celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a grand manner at Hockey Stadium Lahore,” he said, adding that former prime minister Imran Khan will especially attend and address on this occasion.

The decision of changing the venue was taken during the PTI Political Committee meeting, chaired by Chairman Imran Khan, and attended by the party’s top leadership.

In the meeting, the PTI's announcement of holding the rally on August 13 in Islamabad was reviewed. A proposal for holding the rally in Rawalpindi or Lahore was considered.

Imran approved the change in venue of the rally from Islamabad to Lahore, after which it was decided that the rally on August 13 would be held at Lahore Hockey Ground.

Also read: Govt warns PTI of ‘dire consequences’ if Aug 13 rally turns violent

According to sources, the decision was taken in view of the possibility that the Islamabad administration would create obstacles.

On the other hand, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that on the night of August 13, the traditional rally of Independence Day would be held outside Lal Haveli in Rawalpindi. “Fireworks will be displayed at 12:01am and Imran Khan's speech will also be shown on the screen.”

On the foreign conspiracy, Mashwani said, “For two decades, the propaganda of Jews and Indian agents against Imran Khan continued. And today, the same conspirators ended Imran Khan's government because Imran Khan was against relations with Israel and India without resolving the issue of Palestine and Kashmir.”

He said, “Verily, Allah is Truthful … brings out the truth.”

On Sunday, the PTI chairman said that he would announce a plan of action to counter fascism during the August 13 rally.

On the other hand, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Monday told media persons that the PTI would face the worst repercussions if it resorted to violence or blackmail during its power show.