The Punjab home department has seemingly allowed PTI leaders and workers to attend the party’s public gathering in Islamabad. However, the PTI leadership insists that police have been instructed to keep workers within their respective districts to prevent any potential violence. The government has warned that state machinery will respond if the PTI tries to incite violence in Punjab.
Despite no imposition of Section 144, the home department refrained from restricting the public gathering due to the Islamabad deputy commissioner’s approval. The PTI has directed district police officers to monitor vehicles leaving each district to ensure no one goes out for the protest.
In response to police interference, PTI Punjab spokesman Shaukat Basra criticized the unconstitutional orders and stated the party will challenge them in court. He urged workers to reach Islamabad individually to avoid police intervention and emphasized the significant presence expected from Punjab at the gathering.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari warned of state action if the PTI causes chaos in the province, criticizing the party for making rallies a business and fueling hatred against institutions. She accused the party of targeting Maryam Nawaz and jeopardizing the country’s stability.
The developments highlight escalating tensions between the PTI and the Punjab government, setting the stage for a potentially contentious public gathering in Islamabad.
Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2024
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