LAHORE: Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists were arrested from Zaman Park area for violating Section 144 in the provincial capital, police said on Wednesday.
Party workers were detained from Zaman Park area where PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s residence is located, public rallies after the imposition of Section 144 before the PTI election rally and Aurat March by the Punjab Home Department. Banned.
In a notification issued today, the Home Department observed that rallies and protests are being held on a daily basis at various locations in Lahore, which not only poses serious security threats but also disrupts traffic and causes large-scale disruption. But people suffer.
Rallies/demonstrations also have a history of terrorist activities, with several police personnel and civilians claiming martyrdom.
“Therefore, in the context of the current overall security situation in view of the recent spate of terrorism and the latest threat alerts, it has become necessary to enforce Section 144 Cr.P.C, 1898 on holding of all kinds of assemblies, gatherings. Addl. The notification issued by Chief Secretary (Home) Shakeel Ahmed further said that to avoid any untoward incident, there are dharnas, meetings, processions, demonstrations, meetings, sit-ins, protests and other activities in Lahore district.
The order said that in view of the current threats, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace and tranquility, it is necessary to ensure the security of people and facilities/buildings against any possible terrorist or untoward activity.
The ban on public rallies hours before the Aurat March on the occasion of International Women’s Day and PTI’s election rally is likely to get a strong reaction from the civil society.
‘PTI workers being arrested’
PTI leader Hamad Azhar while talking to the media said that a large number of people will participate in today’s rally.
“How can you ban public gatherings when elections are happening on April 30?” Azhar asked.
Asking the party workers to remain calm, Azhar said they had not taken the law into their hands.
He said that the rally was supposed to start sometime but now the roads are being blocked, adding that their workers are being arrested.
The PTI leader alleged that Rana Sanaullah wanted bloodshed but the party would not give him the opportunity to do so. “They have banned public gatherings to stop the rally,” he added.
Azhar said that the caretaker chief minister is obstructing the democratic process, but his job is only to conduct elections. “It is not right to violate human rights before elections.”
He said that [the government] wants to create a model town-like situation in Zaman Park.
“The SSP had cleared the security situation last night but now the ban has been imposed,” he added.
PTI election rally led by Imran Khan started from Zaman Park to Mall Road Underpass, FC College Underpass, Achhra, Ferozepur Road near Muslim Town Mor, Sumanabad, LOS Chowk, Litton Road, Concluded in MAO College. It was supposed to pass through PMG Chowk, Government College and Central Model School and end at Data Darbar.
Khan was expected to address a rally at the Data Darbar and announce his future course of action.
‘SC ruling is defied’
In a series of tweets, PTI Chairman Khan said that a five-member bench of the Supreme Court had ordered elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and asked President Arif Alvi to announce the dates for the elections, “which he does.” – 30 April”.
SC 5-mbr bench orders elections in Punjab & KP in 90 days, asking President to announce date which he does – 30 April. With hardly 55 days left, PTI kicks off election rally in Lahore. Under what law, & in brazen contempt of SC, Punjab Caretaker govt uses massive police violence
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 8, 2023
He said that hardly 55 days are left, PTI is starting the election rally in Lahore. “Under what law, [and] in brazen contempt of the Supreme Court, does the caretaker government of Punjab use massive police violence against unarmed activists to stop our planned rally?”
He said that the work of the supervisors is only to ensure transparent and free elections. “What they are doing is an attack on the rule of law, our constitution and democracy.”
against unarmed workers to stop our planned rally? The only job of Caretakers is to ensure fair & free elections. What they are doing is an assault on rule of law, our Constitution & democracy. Above all, once SC ruling is defied, it is now law of the jungle.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 8, 2023
“Above all, once SC ruling is defied, it is now law of the jungle.”
