PTI rally in Islamabad defies NOC deadline, clashes with police reported

District administration says failure to comply with NOC considered a violation, potentially leading to legal action

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) looked to demonstrate its political strength in Islamabad with a major rally underway in Sangjani on Sunday.

The district administration had instructed the event organisers to conclude the rally by 7 pm. However, the rally exceeded the deadline, leading to the Islamabad Police taking action against the supporters.

According to the district administration, the no-objection certificate (NOC) permits the rally from 4 pm to 7 pm, and failure to comply with this time limit will be considered a violation, potentially leading to legal action.

Despite significant obstacles, including roadblocks and containers set up by authorities, supporters managed to reach the venue, where PTI leaders addressed the crowd.

PTI leaders Hammad Azhar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Raja Nasr Abbas, Jamshed Dasti, Aoun Abbas Pabi, and others took the stage to speak to the attendees. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, were also present on stage.

During his speech, PTI leader Hammad Azhar urged supporters to be prepared, stating, “I told you at the Swabi rally that we would make an announcement. Punjab, get ready, we will stand until the last drop of blood.”

He criticised the current government, claiming that the obstacles prove their fear of the PTI and accusing them of harassing the judiciary to maintain their hold on power. He emphasised that if the PTI founder did not believe in the constitution, the situation would have been far worse.

In related developments, internet signals have been disrupted in various parts of the country, causing issues with downloading images and videos on social media platforms such as WhatsApp.

Additionally, train services to and from Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been delayed. The Railway department stated that these delays are due to the PTI rally, noting that the trains would have crossed Jhelum by now if not for the rally.