Govt warns PTI against August 14 rallies

cautioned party against organizing rallies, protests on Independence Day, August 14

LAHORE:

The Punjab Government has issued a clear warning to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), cautioning the party against organising rallies or protests on Independence Day, August 14, and stating that any attempt to disrupt national celebrations will be dealt with firmly under the law.

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari, addressing a public event in Lahore, said, "If anyone tries to create disruption on Independence Day, the law will take firm action, and all conspiracies will fail."

She described PTI as a "chaos lobby" that cannot tolerate Pakistan's progress and national unity.

Bokhari claimed that a certain group in Pakistan attempts to spread discord on every national occasion. "On August 14, no roads were blocked, nor were any people stopped—yet these individuals chose to stay home and stage symbolic arrests," she said, referring to PTI's previous protest tactics. She emphasized that the Punjab Government will celebrate Independence Day with full zeal, patriotism, and unity to revive a spirit of harmony among citizens.

Commenting on former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bokhari alleged that he has a history of politicizing institutions and levelling baseless accusations.