The founder of PTI, Imran Khan, has issued an urgent call to party members, urging them to ensure their presence at the PTI rally in Tarnol, Islamabad, today.
Through an audio message shared on PTI’s official X account, Imran Khan emphasized the significance of this rally, describing it as a crucial moment for Pakistan’s future.
“This is not just a fight for PTI or Imran Khan; this is a battle for the bright future of Pakistan. Today, we are making history,” he stated, encouraging attendees to leave early due to anticipated road blockages.
The matric supplementary exams in Rawalpindi are going on. Arslan Cheema, spokesperson for the Education Board, has stated that there are six examination centers in the city and that all papers, including the one on August 22, will continue as planned.
On the other hand, the Red Zone of Islamabad has been totally locked down due to the PTI rally. Security at metro bus stops has also been increased and metro buses will not run for the rest of the day. Also, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 all over the province from August 22 to August 24, all political and public meetings are banned to maintain law and order and to save human lives and property due to terrorism threats. And the order has been given to authorities to enforce it strictly.
Even though the district administration hasn’t given us the permission to hold the rally, PTI is still hell-bent on going through with it. Barrister Gohar, PTI chairman, asserted that the rally will proceed peacefully in line with the Islamabad High Court’s orders.
He stressed that the administration’s cancellation of the NOC (No Objection Certificate) is unconstitutional and illegal. “We are holding the rally 30 kilometers away from the Red Zone with no plans for a sit-in. The court has ruled and the NOC cannot be rescinded by the administration,” Gohar said, so the event would begin and conclude as scheduled.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that he would personally lead the convoy from Swabi to Islamabad, leaving at 3 p.m. He termed it a make-or-break moment and asked the supporters to stand by Imran Khan and the constitution. “We will show our strength and determination by holding this rally,” he declared.
PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal has expressed fears of a conspiracy to kill Imran Khan in jail and has called upon the supporters to break all barriers and reach Tarnol.
He stated that it was time to rid the country of the “fake government” and called on PTI members to remain peaceful, warning that anyone involved in violence would not be associated with the party and should be handed over to the authorities.