PTI rally in Islamabad: Party asks leaders to maintain peace

PTI issues guidelines asking its officials to closely monitor participants, instructs all workers to remain unarmed

Listen to article

The top leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has asked its local leadership to ensure that no unrest occurs during the party's rally that will take place in federalcapital Islamabad today.

The party has issued guidelines asking its local officials to closely monitoring participants and instructed all workers to remain unarmed.

PTI leadership has instructed workers to avoid carrying or using weapons under any circumstances. They have also been advised to keep a watchful eye on suspicious individuals.

If anyone seems suspicious, officials are instructed to apprehend them immediately.

The youth wing has been advised to carry masks, salt, and other equipment to protect against tear gas.

According to PTI sources, the convoys will include cranes, water cannons, and other machinery to clear any roadblocks on the way.

The rally is being held in Sangjani, a suburb of Islamabad, with workers arriving from various cities across the country.

Roads in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been blocked at several points with containers placed by authorities.

Meanwhile, the use of machinery and vehicles belonging to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for the PTI rally in Islamabad, has sparked controversy over the use of public resources.

More than 40 operational vehicles from Rescue 1122, including ambulances and fire trucks, were dispatched to Islamabad, with videos surfacing of the vehicles arriving in Swabi.

In addition to the ambulances and fire vehicles, cranes, excavators, and disaster response vehicles have also been requested for potential use at the rally, particularly to clear blocked routes.

Rescue officials confirmed that staff members and vehicles are accompanying convoys heading to the event.

Rescue 1122 authorities stated that the resources are being used for emergency services.

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.