PTI rallies under new law's watchful eye

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is all set to flex its political muscles today in Islamabad under the looming shadow of the freshly minted Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024.

With President Asif Ali Zardari having inked the bill into law on Saturday, the political stage gained a new twist.

Nonetheless, with the clock ticking, the party readied the federal capital on the eve of the rally, with key party leaders overseeing the preparations at a site near the Sangjani Cattle Market.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, alongside other key party figures including Omer Ayub and Asad Qaiser, pulled out all the stops to ensure the event's success.

On Friday, the Islamabad district administration gave the green light with a no-objection certificate (NOC), clearing the way for today's event.

Speaking to the media at the rally site, Barrister Gohar Khan said the party will hold a peaceful rally, urging the authorities to avoid creating hurdles.

"Our rally will be peaceful, and we have an NOC. No obstacles should be placed in our way," he said.

He pointed out the rally is for the public, votes and true freedom.

In addition, PTI leader Asad Qaiser along with PKMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai held a presser at the rally's venue on Saturday.

The PTI leader said the capital is set to host a historical gathering. He appealed to all Pakistanis particularly the residents of twin cities to attend the PTI rally.

"If you don't have a car, come to the rally point on foot by scaling all obstacles," Qaiser urged.

He said the real objective of the rally is to liberate PTI, adding, "The government will attempt to erect hurdles but you have to come out at all costs."

He asserted that the government was attempting to introduce a judicial package to exert its influence on the judiciary.

He urged the bar councils to also take to the streets for their rights, adding that the PTI MNAs were being intimidated to support the judicial package.

They are pushing the country towards anarchy, said the PTI leader.

The PTI leadership has asked workers and supporters to gather at the rally venue by 2pm.

Interestingly, holding a successful power show has become a challenge for PTI in the wake of the cancellation of the August 22 rally at the eleventh hour.

The cancellation of the rally had created rifts among the party leaders. Even, PTI founder's sister Aleema Khan had expressed concern over cancellations of the event at the last moment.

Meanwhile, President Zardari signed the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024 bill on Saturday. After bearing the signature of the President, it has turned into a law.

Earlier, the bill sailed through both the houses - Senate and National Assembly - despite strong opposition criticism.

The law introduces penalties for holding gatherings without permission in Islamabad, with violators facing up to three years in prison and fines.

It also stipulates a 10-year jail term for repeat offences.