Opposition all set to stage power show in Islamabad
PTI supporters as they gather during a protest, outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, February 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS
On the call of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, the opposition alliance is poised to hold a public rally in Tarnol, Islamabad on Thursday.
The alliance, under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), headed by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, convened a meeting on Tuesday to finalise preparations for the event.
The meeting, chaired by Achakzai, was attended by key opposition figures, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and PTI leader Shibli Faraz, among others.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the logistical arrangements for the rally and discussed the prevailing political climate in the country, particularly in light of the recent Islamabad High Court ruling concerning Imran Khan. The opposition leaders reaffirmed their commitment to holding a peaceful rally, emphasising that such demonstrations are a democratic and constitutional right of all Pakistani citizens.
Omar Ayub Khan expressed hope that the government would not hinder the planned rally, stating, "Tehreek-e-Insaf's rallies have always been peaceful. We will persist in our efforts to restore the constitution and the rule of law in Pakistan. A nationwide campaign against the government will be announced soon."
The meeting also raised concerns about the government and Parliament’s conduct. PTI Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Mehmood Basra highlighted that the rally on August 22 is expected to be a historic event, with participation from party supporters and workers from across the country. "This rally will mark the beginning of our renewed struggle for the release of Imran Khan and other detained leaders," Basra said.
Basra urged PTI leaders and workers throughout Punjab to mobilise and participate in the rally, which he emphasised would be a peaceful demonstration. He noted that the protest would attract a large number of participants, including families and members of civil society.
Basra stressed that PTI would continue to advocate for the release of its leaders and workers, including Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and former Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema. "We will raise our voices at every forum until justice is served," he concluded.