Lahore (Web Desk): The police on Saturday started a crackdown against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers ahead of party's public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan tonight while the Lahore administration placed container to block the routes leading to the venue.
The road heading from Data Darbar towards Minar-e-Pakistan has been closed off from both sides and the roads have also been blocked near Shah Alam Market Chowk, Lahore Railway Station, Rang Mahal, and Taxali Gate, Shahdara Chowk and Ravi Bridge were also closed by placing containers.
On the other hand, the administration and police have taken the step to block PTI supporters from other towns and cities in Punjab from reaching the rally venue.
According to the PTI leadership, the police detained party's leaders and workers, saying that raids on the houses of PTI workers and leaders have been ongoing for five consecutive days.
However, they said that despite the "tactics of the police and administration", the rally will definitely take place today.
Earlier today, PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan called on his supporters to “assert their right as people of a free nation” by attending the rally.
He said that the PTI would be holding its sixth public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, which he felt would “break all records”.
Tonight will be our 6th jalsa at Minar i Pakistan & my heart tells me it will break all records.I am inviting everyone in Lahore to attend after Tarawih prayers.I will give my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi & how we will pull Pak out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023
While expressing concerns that the government may erect obstacles to prevent party supporters from reaching the venue, the PTI chief said that it was the fundamental right of the people to participate in a political gathering.
“Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence and come to Minar-e-Pakistan,” the former premier told his supporters.
They will put all sorts of hurdles to prevent people from attending, but I want to remind our ppl that it is their fundamental right to attend a political gathering. Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence & come to Minar i Pakistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023
