Imran urges people to exercise 'fundamental right', attend Minar-e-Pakistan rally

PTI chief says government will 'put all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending'

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday urged people to attend the party’s Minar-e-Pakistan rally tonight saying that it is the “fundamental right” of the people of Pakistan to attend a political rally.

The former prime minister took to Twitter and said that his heart tells him that the rally will "break all records”.

“I am inviting everyone in Lahore to attend after Tarawih prayers. I will give my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi and how we will pull Pakistan out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in,” he added.

Tonight will be our 6th jalsa at Minar i Pakistan & my heart tells me it will break all records.I am inviting everyone in Lahore to attend after Tarawih prayers.I will give my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi & how we will pull Pak out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023

The deposed premier feared that the government “will put all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending, but I want to remind our people that it is their fundamental right to attend a political gathering”.

“Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence and come to Minar-e-Pakistan,” he stated.

They will put all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending, but I want to remind our ppl that it is their fundamental right to attend a political gathering. Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence & come to Minar i Pakistan.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023

Earlier this week, Imran announced a “mega power show” at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.

Read more: Court changes Imran's non-bailable arrest warrant to bailable

Addressing his supporters via video link from his Zaman Park residence, Imran vowed a “mammoth rally” at Minar-e-Pakistan, which he said would be like a referendum to prove which side the nation stood.

However, the rally was rescheduled and will now take place on March 25 (today). This was the second time the rally was postponed.

On March 13, Imran led his party’s election rally in the Punjab capital, the first polls-related activity in more than four months.

He announced that the party would hold its next power show at Miner-e-Pakistan on March 19.

Read more: PTI forms venue panel for Saturday's rally amid raids

However, the rally was postponed after the Lahore High Court (LHC) restrained the PTI leadership from holding a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan citing the ongoing law and order situation.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing and remarked that the current situation in the provincial capital had “tarnished the image of Pakistan across the world”.

Justice Sheikh also stated that the authorities should be conveyed at least 15 days prior if a rally procession is to be held in order to make proper security arrangements.