[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In an attempt to organize rallies across various cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following the directives of the party’s founder Imran Khan, encountered a robust police crackdown, leading to numerous arrests
In Rawalpindi’s Jatli area, police conducted raids, resulting in the apprehension of at least 10 PTI workers. In the NA-56 constituency of Rawalpindi, PTI activists held a rally that concluded on Saeedpur Road under tight security. During the rally, participants vociferously expressed their discontent with the government, waving PTI flags and displaying images of Imran Khan.
Read more: Police Respond As PTI Plans Power Show
A parallel situation unfolded in Peshawar, where a PTI rally faced obstruction from the police on Ring Road. Clashes erupted between the law enforcement and PTI workers, leading to several arrests. The police contended that PTI activists had not obtained permission for the rally, and anyone found on the road without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) would be subject to arrest.
In Karachi, PTI organized a rally in the Clifton area, resulting in the police taking more than 50 activists into custody.
On PTI’s Lahore social media platform X, multiple videos depicted a sizable number of people expressing support for the party. A tweet accompanying the videos stated, “Rallies are being held everywhere. Despite police brutality, no one will be able to save the runaway Nawaz on February 8.”
Earlier in the day, former federal minister and PTI leader Hammad Azhar reported that his elderly father, former Punjab governor Mian Azhar, had been “arrested” by the police ahead of an election rally.
In a post on the social media platform X, Hammad conveyed that his 82-year-old father, an independent candidate supported by PTI running for the NA-129 constituency, aimed to “exercise his democratic and constitutional right by leading a rally.”
Hammad Azhar expressed concern about the state of affairs in Pakistan, asserting that the country had been reduced to a “total fascist state” with a complete disregard for human rights and the rule of law. He attributed this situation to the influence of Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, accusing them of calling the shots and adversely affecting the nation.
The events surrounding the PTI rallies and the subsequent police crackdown underscore the heightened tensions and political dynamics in Pakistan. As the country approaches the elections, the confrontations between political parties and law enforcement highlight the challenges of ensuring a democratic and peaceful electoral process.
کراچی والوں نکلو عمران خان کی خاطر، اپنے ملک پاکستان کی خاطر، اور تین تلوار پر تحریکِ انصاف کی ریلی میں شامل ہوں!!! #نکلو_خان_کی_پکار_پر#خان_کی_کال_پر_لبیک pic.twitter.com/DxgnsztksL
— PTI Karachi (@PTIKarachi_) January 28, 2024
ملک بھر میں #خان_کی_کال_پر_لبیک کہتے ہوئے تمام پاکستانیوں کی اپنے علاقوں میں الیکشن ریلیوں میں شرکت۔ pic.twitter.com/f7OeTjBohD
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 28, 2024
