LAHORE: The Caretaker Punjab Government has imposed Section 144 in Lahore yet again, minutes after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman announced the rally to re-start his election campaign which was thwarted on March 8 by a massive police crackdown in what appeared to be re-enactment of last year’s May 25 onslaught, claiming life of one PTI worker Ali Bilal aka Zille Shah.
Also read: Lahore Police launch crackdown against PTI workers near Zaman Park
This came after PTI Chairman Imran Khan announced leading his party’s election rally himself on Sunday in Lahore. “I will lead the election rally to show them that we are not domesticated animals,” the former prime minister told his party workers during his address via video link.
Also read: Imran Khan announces to lead PTI’s election rally in Lahore tomorrow
Earlier, the Lahore administration had been informed about two routes of PTI rally but it refused to give permission saying Sunday’s rally couldn’t be allowed due to the cricket match being played in Qadhafi Stadium. DC Lahore had cautioned the PTI leaders that if the PTI did not postpone the rally, there would be no choice but to implement Section 144 in the city.
Addressing a press conference minutes later, Caretaker Information Minister Punjab Amir Mir said that Section 144 had been imposed in the city for today [Sunday]. He said that it has been prohibited to carry on any rally in the city today.
Also read: Post mortem report of slain PTI worker Ali Bilal reveals torture, excessive bleeding
He asked Imran Khan to avoid any rally for the day. He said that the writ of state should not be challenged, adding that in case of violation the imposition of Section 144 could be extended.
“Imran Khan has announced to hold rally on the day – when PSL matches will start in Lahore and a marathon will also be held,” he said, adding that a ban has been imposed on carrying out public rallies in Lahore tomorrow.
“The election campaign in the province will start from April 6,” Amir Mir said, urging PTI Chairman Imran Khan to cooperate with Punjab government.
Also read: Zille Shah’s murder: PTI demands LHC to constitute judicial commission
He also warned the former premier against violating law, saying that strict action will be taken if the “writ of the state is challenged”.
