Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Ali Khan announced on Thursday that the planned public gathering in Islamabad has been postponed. The decision was made on the advice of PTI founder Imran Khan, who instructed the party to reschedule the event.
Accompanied by PTI leader Azam Swati, the chairman informed the media about the postponement, explaining that the rally would now take place on September 8. The Islamabad administration has already approved the new date, issuing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event, which is set to be led by PTI leader Aami Mughal. The NOC includes guidelines urging participants to avoid slogans that are anti-state or anti-religion.
The situation in Islamabad has been tense since the ICT administration revoked PTI’s permit for the rally late last night. This led to increased security measures across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Containers have been placed around the Red Zone, blocking all roads leading to the area, and only government employees are allowed to enter after showing their office cards. Security remains on high alert.
Adding to the traffic issues, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Cricket Test match is currently underway in Rawalpindi. To protect players and spectators, Murree Road around the stadium has been closed to general traffic. Due to these security measures, the Islamabad administration declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the city.
In Lahore, PTI’s planned rally has also caused disruptions. The Motorway Ravi Toll Plaza has been closed on the Islamabad side, with traffic being redirected to alternative routes like Babu Sabu Chowk, Sagian, and Ring Road. Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Amara Athar advised citizens to check the route plan before traveling and suggested calling helpline 15 for assistance.
A large contingent of Lahore Police has also been deployed at Thokar Niaz Baig, where PTI’s women’s wing gathered to join a caravan headed to the Lahore rally. Despite the challenges, PTI leaders have urged their supporters to return to their home destinations, reiterating that the rally will now take place on September 8.
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