PTI's August 13 rally shifted from Islamabad to Lahore's Hockey Ground

Published August 8, 2022
Supporters gesture and wave PTI flags as they attend a rally in Lahore. —AFP/File
Supporters gesture and wave PTI flags as they attend a rally in Lahore. —AFP/File

The PTI has shifted the venue of its August 13 "Haqeeqi Azadi jalsa" from Islamabad's Parade Ground to the Lahore Hockey Ground, party's focal person Azhar Mashwani said on Monday.

"The decision was taken by chairman Imran Khan in a meeting today," he said in a statement, elaborating that the development comes after the party learnt about the federal government's "insufficient" plans for celebrations on Independence Day.

"[The] proud Pakistanis of Lahore will celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a grand manner at Hockey Stadium Lahore," he said.

Mashwani added that the ex-premier will attend the rally and address supporters as well.

Separately, a tweet on PTI's official Twitter account said that it will celebrate independence day "in a grand manner" in Lahore.

Meanwhile, in a press conference at Bani Gala earlier in the day, PTI leader Omar Ayub said that party workers had visited the Pindi Cricket Stadium and Liaqat National Bagh.

"We were told that the stadium just got new pitches while plantation was underway in the park."

He went on that the PTI had been given permission for the rally at Islamabad's Parade Ground. "But at the last moment we found out that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan wanted to hold a protest there and it could have created problems.

"Hence, we came to the conclusion that Lahore is the best location [for the rally]," he said, adding that ground was spacious and could fit all of Imran's supporters.

On Sunday, the PTI chief had said that he would announce a strategy to “counter this fascism” during the August 13 rally.

Meanwhile, at a press conference earlier in the day, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned the PTI of "worst repercussions" if its upcoming protest turned violent.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...