PTI rally updates: Imran threatens to put Pakistan on standstill on Dec 16

The PTI chief announced his 'Plan-C' against the incumbent government


Our Correspondents/web Desk November 30, 2014

ISLAMABAD: In an attempt to reinvigorate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) push to overthrow the government over rigging  the May 2013 elections, party leaders and supporters began gathering in Islamabad on Sunday. The party expects at least half a million people to turn up at the 'decisive' rally in the federal capital.



9:35pm

Reacting on PTI chief’s statements, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq while talking to Express News says such announcements cannot be made by a “friend of Pakistan.”

“Imran wants to spread anarchy and derail democracy in the disguise of bringing true democracy.”

PTI can do whatever it wants; we will talk to their leadership after December 16, he added.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

9:13pm

Imran announces to lockdown Lahore on Thursday, December 4 if his demand of an impartial inquiry of 2013 general elections was not met.

He added that following shutter down strikes in Faisalabad and Karachi on Dec 8 and 12, the entire country would be put to a standstill if the poll inquiry is not initiated.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

9:00pm

"If we don’t take a stand now, they [present rulers] will come in power again, and will take turns," says the PTI chief.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 8:54pm

Talking about the ongoing media campaign against him and his party, Imran says, "We will go to the court to ask why are you [Nawaz] spending taxpayers money to save your throne."

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8:50pm

"You have stolen billions of rupees of the masses, what do I call you if not a dacoit,” says Imran while referring to PM Nawaz.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

 8:44pm

Imran Khan comes on stage to address his supporters.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

7:50pm

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Charsadda blocked the Peshawar-Islamabad motorway Sunday on Nisata interchange over the killing of their leader Dr Khalid Soomro.

The motorway remained closed till 4pm, forcing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers in Charsadda to use the GT Road to move towards Islamabad.

Read the full story here.



PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/ EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

7:20pm

Watch a video of PTI supporters in Shabqadar chanting Go Nawaz Go.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:50pm

Three medical camps have been set-up at the venue of the rally, our correspondents Maha Musaddaq and Basma Siddiqui report.

“The largest camp is setup closest to the stage as that is where most people are," Dr Ambar Qureshi, Insaaf Doctors Forum Punjab told The Express Tribune.

Qureshi added a 100 people have undergone basic life support training for the rally and trained members are a part of the mobile health team that is patrolling the venue.

So far, five people with minor injuries have received first aid at the camps.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:30pm

Despite intelligence reports of death threats and advice to not attend the rally, K-P CM Pervaiz Khattak along with his protocol has arrived at the rally, our correspondent Qamar Zaman reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:59pm

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Asmatullah Junejo said foolproof security arrangements have been made for the rally participants, Radio Pakistan reports.

Junejo added containers have been placed at key points in Islamabad's Red Zone area for security reasons.



Frontier constables deployed at the venue of the rally. PHOTO: AFP



A water canon brought from Sindh especially for the rally is parked outside the venue. PHOTO: QAMAR ZAMAN/ EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:09pm

One of the major PTI convoys in Rawalpindi, comprising hundreds of vehicles, leaves party’s office to reach D-Chowk.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:57pm

JUI-F leaders decide to postpone their protest in Rawalpindi to avoid any untoward incident. Their party workers are currently demonstrating in Peshawar, creating hindrances for PTI convoys travelling to the federal capital.

A convoy of at least 80 vehicles, led by PTI leader Raja Muhammad Ali, leaves Rawalpindi to join the main rally in Islamabad.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:16pm

PTI security incharge Captain (retd) Hassan alleges Islamabad administration of creating hindrances in the way of the rally.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:10pm 

Referring to the JUI-F protest on Peshawar interchange, PTI chief Imran accuses PM Nawaz of colluding with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to prevent PTI supporters from reaching Islamabad.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:43pm

Unidentified men threw shoes, eggs and tomatoes on PTI supporters in Gujranwala as they prepared to leave the city for Islamabad, Express News reports.

PTI workers reportedly caught the attackers, however, they were soon freed by their friends.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:17pm

PTI chief Imran Khan arrives at the venue to oversee arrangements made for the rally in Islamabad.


Express News screen grab of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan standing on the stage in Islamabad.


…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:10pm

As per intelligence reports by National Counter Terrorism Authority and National Crisis Management Cell, K-P CM Pervaiz Khattak faces death threats, our correspondent Zahid Gishkori reports from Islamabad.

This information was communicated to Khattak who was advised to not attend today’s rally.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:55pm

A clash broke out in Karak between supporters of PTI and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) who are protesting against the killing of their leader in Sukkur, Express News reports.

Several people are feared injured, however, the exact number of casualties is not known as yet.

JUI-F members have also blocked Peshawar Motorway Interchange as part of their protest, preventing PTI convoys from reaching Islamabad.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:37pm

DJ Butt, who manages the sound system in all of PTI rallies, speaks to Express News about his plans for today’s gathering.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:58pm

As per the rules set for the PTI rally, displaying arms and ammunition, taking fireworks and children to the rally are prohibited.

Entry into the Red Zone is also not allowed during today’s demonstration.

Despite this ban, our correspondent Zahid Gishkori says, many children are seen entering the rally venue.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12.55pm

Around 3,000 people have already reached the venue as organisers set chairs, speakers and stage for the big show.

Though Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) is not officially taking part in PTI rally, our correspondent Zahid Gishkori says a huge number of PAT workers are seen in the area.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12.51pm

Our correspondent Zahid Gishkori reports that President of ICT Chamber of Small Traders and Industry Khalid Mehmood Mian is heading a small group of protesters who are demonstrating on Jinnah Avenue against the PTI sit-ins.

The demonstrators blame PTI sit-ins for huge losses incurred by businesses in the area.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:35pm

Our Islamabad correspondent Zahid Gishkori reports on main routes for convoys coming to Islamabad for the PTI rally.

According to information provided by local administration, traffic coming from Gujjar Khan, Dina, Gujranwala, Kharian, Gujrat, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin will enter the federal capital from Rawat Road and go through Islamabad Highway, Zero Point, Khayaban Chowk and Fazal-e-Haq Road.

Traffic coming from motorway will enter Islamabad from toll plaza 26 and go through Kashmir Highway, while vehicles coming from Murree and AJK will enter Islamabad through Bara Kahu and go through Kashmir Chowk, Aabpara and Embassy Road.


A vendor selling PTI merchandises in Islamabad. PHOTO: ZAHID GISHKORI


…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:21pm

According to our correspondent Zahid Gishkori, main roads and roundabouts are blocked in Islamabad for security reasons including Constitution Avenue, Secretariat Chowk, French Embassy Chowk, Jinnah Avenue and Aga Khan Road.

The blockades make Prime Minister House, Radio Pakistan building, Nadra offices, Diplomatic Enclave, Serena Hotel and MNA hostel inaccessible.

All vehicles will be parked in Yasmin Garden and Sports Complex – areas around three kilometres away from where the stage is set.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:15pm

Our correspondent from Lahore Aroosa Shaukat reports that hundreds of PTI supporters have started to leave Lahore to join the November 30 rally in Islamabad.

PTI Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry led a convoy from Kala Shah Kaku early morning, while another convoy gathered at Qaddafi Stadium. The convoy left the venue around 11:15am and is now passing though Barkat market. The convoy will travel though the motorway.

Several PTI leaders from Punjab had already left the city yesterday fearing possible police raids to prevent them from attending Islamabad rally.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:58am

Reporting from D-Chowk, our correspondent Zahid Gishkori says the venue for the rally was inspected from above at 9:15am while mobile services are scheduled to be suspended in G-6, G-7 and F-6 sectors from 2pm onwards.

These sectors house Prime Minister Secretariat, Diplomatic Enclave, Melody Market, Constitution Avenue and Aabpara.

Area from The Centaurus mall on Jinnah Avenue to D-Chowk on Constitution Avenue is designated as rally venue for today.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:30am

Responding to anti-PTI advertisements shown on TV channels since yesterday, PTI chief Imran Khan accuses Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of spending millions of taxpayers money on advertising in a state of utter panic.



Imran also calls on his supporters to join hands as PTI moves ahead with it's fight for justice.

COMMENTS (49)

Akash | 9 years ago | Reply

@Salman: Perhaps you are mentioning ARY?

Amjad | 9 years ago | Reply

Who needs enemies when we have Imran Khan in pakistan. India must be loving all this. A nuclear country is being destablized by IK and his goons while India is on a verge of becoming a superpower in Asia! Makes me wonder if he is indeed working for them.

If you hear his speech carefully it is always "I" would do this, "I" will do that. It is quite similar to when pakistan won the world cup, he said. "I" won this, and "I" am building a hospital. He sure does love himself. It is always about him.

Enemies of pakistan will never suceed to destablize pakistan this will never happen no matter how hard they try.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ