RAWALPINDI – Punjab capital Lahore is set for major showdown as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans a protest at Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday, despite imposition of Section 144 in the region.
PTI demonstration aims to address rising inflation, demand judicial independence, and call for the release of party founder Imran Khan. Imran Khan’s party labeled event a do or die situation, stressing their determination to proceed despite warnings issued by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The provincial authorities imposed Section 144 across Lahore, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock, effectively banning political gatherings until October 8 in Lahore and October 7 in Mianwali. The government also deployed nine companies of paramilitary Rangers to ensure compliance and has already arrested around 600 PTI supporters in recent police operations.
Police in Lahore are on high alert, and got stern directives to patrol the city and detain anyone violating Section 144. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz conducted extensive meetings with security officials, calling for a strong crackdown on PTI supporters.
PTI movements are being closely monitored while the government plans to set up checkpoints to control access to the city, reports suggest containers may also be used at key entry points.
PTI leader Shayan Bashir announced that party members are prepared and keeping their plans under wraps to surprise the government. Additionally, PTI Lahore General Secretary Awais Younas expressed confidence that the people of Lahore would show their support, asserting, “Lahore will demonstrate its allegiance to the captain.”
As tensions mount, all eyes will be on Lahore as the protest unfolds as PTI is facing confrontation in federal capital.
Motorways M1, M2 closed ahead of PTI protest, causing major disruptions
