K-P CM changes PTI rally venue ahead of September 8 event in Islamabad

The Islamabad administration has changed the venue for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) rally scheduled for September 8 on Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s insistence, according to Express News.

Gandapur reportedly contacted Islamabad's administration via phone, informing them of the change. The district administration then issued a new No Objection Certificate (NOC), relocating the rally to a ground near the cattle market on GT Road. The rally was earlier scheduled to take place at Paswal Road, Sangjani in the suburbs of Islamabad.

When PTI leadership arrived at the original venue with sound equipment, a heated exchange ensued with the police, who blocked their access and attempted to seize the equipment. "The vehicle cannot proceed to the venue," a police officer stated, threatening to impound the vehicle.

Faisal Amin, brother of the chief minister, voluntarily accompanied police to the station as Ali Amin Gandapur remained in contact with him.

Meanwhile, CM Gandapur has accused Islamabad police of confiscating equipment for the upcoming PTI rally, using harsh language to express his frustration.

Speaking to the media during Peshawar's first-ever marathon in Peshawar, Gandapur said, “Our rally venue was changed, and the equipment has been seized and moved to Tarnol police station. Let me be clear, return our equipment or I will personally go and retrieve it.”

He added, “Allow us to set up for the rally at the designated location, or I will do it myself. Those issuing orders should know this country does not belong to their fathers. You first issue an NOC and then beg to cancel the rally. It’s due to the patience of our leader that the rally was postponed, but now you’re playing games.”

Gandapur reiterated that the PTI rally would go ahead on September 8, with or without permission. “If our equipment remains at Tarnol police station, I will personally retrieve it. The nation must attend the rally, and I will ensure it happens as planned,” he said.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised its strategy for the September 8 rally, as the party’s core committee convened under the chairmanship of Barrister Gohar on Friday.

According to Express News, the meeting addressed the country’s current political situation, including the implications of the recent NAB amendments verdict. The committee discussed the possibility of filing petitions against the Toshakhana reference filed against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, following today’s verdict by the apex court.

Sources revealed that the core committee has devised a plan to mobilise workers and the public from across the country to gather at Sangjani for the Islamabad rally. PTI’s members of the national and provincial assemblies have been tasked with bringing supporters from their respective constituencies.

The committee also resolved to firmly oppose any bills or legislation related to the judiciary. Additionally, the possibility of ending cases against the party founder and Bushra Bibi, in light of the NAB amendments, was discussed.

The PTI core committee strongly condemned the recent police raid on a party candidate’s meeting and reaffirmed its commitment to holding the rally on September 8.

Yesterday, Islamabad’s district administration granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the rally, subject to 42 conditions. The permission allows the rally to be held at Paswal Road, Sangjani, with specific routes designated for participants to reach the venue.

Supporters from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will enter Islamabad via the M-1 motorway, while those coming from Punjab will follow routes through the GT Road and Chakri Interchange.

PTI founder Imran Khan had called on the nation to defy any obstacles and attend the rally, stating, "Now, there will be a gathering in Islamabad on September 8. I am asking the entire nation to come out on September 8. Do not tolerate any obstruction on that day."