PTI marks a year since 'poll rigging' with small rallies

Several leaders, activists detained amid restrictions

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) observed a 'Black Day' to mark the anniversary of alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections last year by organising demonstrations despite a police crackdown, arrests and the imposition of Section 144 in various districts to prohibit public gatherings.

Several leaders and workers were detained, including Meher Bano, daughter of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Law enforcement officials took action against PTI workers attempting to orgainse rallies in violation of then restrictions imposed by the government.

Although major roads and entry points to cities were blocked, PTI managed to organise small-scale demonstrations across Punjab. Party lawmakers, election candidates and activists participated in the gatherings.

PTI Central Punjab leaders Hammad Azhar, Mehar Sharafat and Engineer Muzamil Salahuddin led the protests in Lahore.

Demonstrations were also reported from several other cities across Punjab, including Okara, Dipalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur, Haroonabad, Jafarabad, Shakargarh, Chichawatni, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Gujrat, Kot Addu, Sheikhupura and Rajanpur.

In Multan, the authorities deployed heavy contingents of police at key locations, including Chungi No. 9, Ghunghat Chowk, Nawan Shahr and Chowk Kacheri, where PTI supporters gathered. Meher Bano and Zahid Bahar Hashmi led one of the protests before being detained along with several activists. The police swiftly dispersed the crowd, transporting the detainees to police stations in prisoner vans.

Despite the crackdowns, the PTI reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful demonstrations.

On the first anniversary of the general elections, the party stated it would refrain from confrontation or unrest. The party had urged supporters from across the country to participate in a rally in Swabi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI had sought permission to organise a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, but Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza denied the request. The official cited security concerns due to concurrent events in the city, including an international assembly speakers' conference.