PTI rushes with rally after delay

Supporters gathered at Liberty Chowk told to reach Nasir Bagh

LAHORE:

A large number of women, children, elderly and young Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who had gathered at Liberty Chowk on Monday afternoon were informed after a delay of over two hours to reach Nasir Bagh to hear party chairman Imran Khan’s address.

The party’s supporters had arrived by cars, motorbikes and by foot to participate in the protest rally organised on the International Labour Day. They wore caps and scarves matching the colours of the party flag, chanting slogans amid pleasant weather on a public holiday.

PTI candidates for the Punjab Assembly elections from the suburban areas and adjoining districts reached the announced venue along with a large number of people from their constituencies.

The demonstration was scheduled to begin at 1:00pm, but the schedule was altered and Khan told them after about two and a half hours to reach Nasir Bagh as soon as possible instead of waiting for his address at the starting point.

Some protesters chose to head back from Liberty Chowk rather than reaching Nasir Bagh after the rally began.

Meanwhile, the Metrobus service in the city was suspended during the rally. Officials said the decision had been taken due to security reasons.

They said the route had been restricted from Gajjumata to MAO College since the morning but the service was completely suspended before the
rally began.

Some local residents complained of difficulties because of the suspension of the transport service and overcharging by rickshaw drivers.

The PTI had received the permission earlier from the Lahore administration to hold the rally from Liberty Chowk to Nasir Bagh.

The permission was issued by Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider after the district administration took an assurance from the party to abide by its terms and conditions.

According to the permit, the rally was allowed from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, and reception camps were not set up for the event. It rally’s organisers were responsible for the security of the routes.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2023.