Islamabad, Sep 8 (UNI) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing to stretch its political muscles on Sunday in Islamabad, under the overhanging shadow of the newly-enacted Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024, The Express Tribune Said.
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the measure into law on Saturday, giving the political theatre a new twist.
Nonetheless, with the time ticking, the party prepared the federal capital on the eve of the gathering, with top party leaders supervising preparations at a location near the Sangjani Cattle Market.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, along with other major party officials such as Omer Ayub and Asad Qaiser, went to great lengths to guarantee the event’s success.
On Friday, the Islamabad district administration issued a no-objection certificate (NOC), paving the way for the event.
Barrister Gohar Khan, speaking to the media at the protest venue, stated that the party intends to organise a peaceful rally and urged the authorities not to create obstacles.
“Our rally will be peaceful, and we have an NOC. No obstacles should be placed in our way,” he said.
He explained that the demonstration is for the public, votes, and genuine freedom.
In addition, PTI leader Asad Qaiser and PKMAP president Mehmood Khan Achakzai conducted a news conference at the rally’s location on Saturday.
The PTI leader stated that the capital is prepared to host a momentous gathering. He urged all Pakistanis, particularly inhabitants of the twin cities, to join the PTI demonstration.
“If you don’t have a car, come to the rally point on foot by scaling all obstacles,” Qaiser urged.
He said the real objective of the rally is to liberate PTI, adding, “The government will attempt to erect hurdles, but you have to come out at all costs.”
He said that the administration was aiming to impose a judicial package to exercise control over the court.
He encouraged bar councils to come to the streets for their rights and said that PTI MNAs were being bullied into supporting the judicial package.
The PTI leader stated that they are dragging the country into instability.
Interestingly, since the August 22 rally was cancelled at the last minute, PTI has found it difficult to put on a successful power display.
The cancellation of the gathering had caused divisions among the party leaders. Aleema Khan, PTI founder’s sister, had also raised alarm over the event’s last-minute cancellations.
Meanwhile, President Zardari signed the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill of 2024 on Saturday. It became legislation once the President signed it.
Previously, the measure passed both chambers—the Senate and the National Assembly—despite considerable opposition criticism.
The law imposes penalties for convening meetings without authorisation in Islamabad, including up to three years in jail and fines.
It also includes a 10-year prison sentence for repeat offenders.
