The political landscape in Pakistan grew increasingly volatile as police forcefully disrupted a large-scale rally organized by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in Lahore on September 21. The rally, initially granted permission, was abruptly brought to an end after the 6 pm deadline passed, leading to confrontations and strong condemnations from both sides.
This incident marks the latest development in a series of escalating tensions between the PTI and the current government. Despite initial approval, authorities revoked the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the rally, citing security concerns. Earlier this month, a PTI rally on the outskirts of Islamabad prompted local authorities to file criminal charges against party leadership for violating their agreement. Ten PTI lawmakers were arrested from the Parliament House in Islamabad, accused of intimidating police at the rally venue.
While the government allowed the PTI rally to proceed between 3 pm and 6 pm, the police implemented stringent measures. All access points to the rally site were blocked, and at 6 pm, the lights and microphone system were abruptly switched off. The stage was forcibly taken over, amidst protests from participants and PTI leaders. This was the first PTI rally permitted since May 9, 2023, when supporters allegedly attacked military installations following Khan’s arrest.
Before the police intervention, an AI-generated speech by Khan was played at the rally. The 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician addressed the crowd, declaring, “I will not accept this government of mandate thieves come what may. These are corrupt people not acceptable to the people.” He also administered an oath to the participants to protect the Constitution and resist surrendering to any force.
On social media, Khan urged the nation to participate in the Lahore rally with unwavering commitment. “Resistance against this illegitimate government is a responsibility that every conscientious citizen must undertake. This is a battle for the survival of our future generations,” Khan stated.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the scheduled chief guest, had yet to arrive at the venue when police forcibly dispersed the rally. “Although the roads leading to the Lahore jalsa are blocked with containers by the mafia regime, the Pakistanis reached the jalsa,” said PTI senior leader Sheikh Waqas.
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar downplayed the event, claiming it was a “flop show.” He denied any road blockages in Lahore or elsewhere.
On Friday, Khan, imprisoned for the past 14 months, had declared the September 21 rally a “do or die” issue for the PTI. He asserted, “The Constitution guarantees the right of assembly and if this right was denied, PTI supporters will flood the jails.” Khan had also implored the public to actively participate in the rally.
The party leveraged social media platforms, disseminating numerous messages urging people to attend the Lahore jalsa. This latest incident underscores the volatile political landscape in Pakistan, raising concerns about the future direction of the country as tensions continue to escalate.
