Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned rally in Islamabad’s Tarnol Chowk, now rescheduled for September 8 following roadblocks by local authorities and instructions from party founder Imran Khan.
The decision was finalised after senior PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Azam Swati, and Barrister Gohar met with Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Following the meeting, Azam Swati and Barrister Gohar spoke outside the jail, confirming the rally’s delay and announcing the new date.
Swati declared, in the presence of Barrister Gohar, that the rally will now be held on September 8 with security arrangements in place. He added that PTI’s Islamabad chapter, led by Aamir Mughal, would secure the necessary permissions for the event.
PTI’s statement also expressed concerns that the government might exploit the rally to incite unrest.
Earlier, the PTI had decided to go ahead with its march towards Tarnol Chowk despite Islamabad district administration’s decision not to grant permission to the PTI to hold its rally.
A notification regarding the decision was issued by the chief commissioner. According to the document, the decision was made based on the recommendations of the District Intelligence Committee.
The committee held a meeting, chaired by the chief commissioner, and it was also attended by the Islamabad inspector general of police and deputy commissioner.
The NOC for the rally, issued by the DC, was reviewed during the meeting. The IG expressed security concerns due to various events taking place. Additionally, a suspicious bag was found at the site of the PTI rally.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi had also highlighted the heightened security risks during a meeting, noting that the Bangladesh cricket team is currently in the capital, which complicates crowd management for the PTI gathering.
The administration also cited recent incidents, such as protesters approaching the Supreme Court building, as reasons for the heightened security concerns, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of permission for the rally.
