Imran's party defies odds, breaks capital rally barrier

PTI asserts political muscle amid restrictions, stages 1st power show outside K-P after polls

ISLAMABAD:

At last, PTI did not fall victim to nervous 90s, shattering the long-standing psychological barrier as it rallied in the heart of the capital after the general elections - an achievement that many thought was a bridge too far.

Proving the party's political muscle despite the odds, the PTI supporters poured into Islamabad on Sunday with flags held high and heads unbowed.

However, the build-up was fraught with tension. The government hurriedly passed a law on peaceful assembly, locked down the twin cities, and reportedly closed highways and motorways linking Islamabad with the rest of the country.

The government's actions fed the impression that the ruling coalition was looking over its shoulder, uneasy about an opposition flexing its muscles so close to the corridors of power.

Nevertheless, despite stern warnings from the administration and a government reaction that made it seem like a do-or-die situation, PTI not only managed to secure permission for the Jalsa but also successfully held the rally outside of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa - its stronghold for over a decade - following the general elections.

Political analysts noted that the party, battered by repeated crackdowns and its leader Imran Khan's imprisonment, managed to turn a tough situation into a political win. Political analysts saw the rally as a major milestone, setting the stage for PTI's future manoeuvres.

Raza Ahmad Rumi, a policy analyst and journalist, and Professor Tahir Naeem Malik of NUML University opined that PTI managed to gather a sizeable crowd despite the restrictions, noting that it also showed that the party still enjoys public support amid its claims that its mandate was stolen in the elections.

While sharing his views, Rumi said that PTI managed to assemble a sizable crowd despite restrictions and "it was a success for the party that feels aggrieved at the hands of the establishment."

The expert noted that the legal and administrative hurdles backfired as the rally on Sunday night received media attention as well as mobilized its support base.

"While the party may have crossed a psychological barrier of holding a rally outside KP, it will not majorly change the power equation; and the clear-cut policy of government and establishment on keeping Imran Khan in prison," Rumi said.

Commenting on the government's reaction, Rumi said that the government's reaction was self-destructive as it appeared nervous and insecure and "reaffirmed PTI's narrative that the ruling coalition does not enjoy public support."

To the question of what impact will the political activity have in the coming days, Rumi noted that "Pakistan's political chess board is set by the unelected institutions such as the military and the present government has outsourced politics to those who should be staying away from political contests."

"People have once again expressed confidence in PTI just like they did on February 8," Professor Tahir Naeem Malik of NUML University said, "holding a power show out of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and taking the center stage amid lockdown and crackdown is a success for PTI after a while."

Commenting on the impact and how it could help PTI in the coming days, the professor noted that PTI was discussed, appeared relevant and managed to create momentum, which it feels is necessary for future events.

He said the PTI leadership and workers have come out amid a difficult situation, saying it's the outcome of the party's long legal battles supported by party organisations.

Malik noted that the absence of a local bodies system was also evident as the deputy commissioner was calling the shots, adding the government's reaction helped a normal activity to turn into a big power show.

He felt that the government didn't want to even give PTI space for holding normal political activity, saying it did not want PTI to gain any momentum.