Pakistan’s PTI Workers’ Convention Cancelled Amid Threats of Police Action
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) faced yet another obstacle as its workers’ convention was cancelled due to alleged threats of police action against the party workers. The PTI has been struggling to obtain permission for holding workers’ conventions, consistently being denied on various pretexts.
The recent cancellation of the PTI’s workers’ convention in Shahdra, scheduled for November 19, was announced by PTI central Punjab senior vice-president Akmal Khan Bari. According to Mr. Bari, the Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rafia Haider, did not grant permission for the convention. When he approached the DIG (operations) for assistance, he received a warning that PTI leaders and workers would face arrest if the convention proceeded.
Despite submitting an application to seek permission for the convention and obtaining directives from the Lahore High Court to grant permission, Mr. Bari stated that the DC office did not grant the necessary permission. After being called through a contempt notice by the LHC, the DC office eventually agreed to grant permission. However, no NOC (No Objection Certificate) was granted until November 18. Mr. Bari then approached the DIG (operations), who allegedly asked them not to hold the convention, citing instructions from higher offices.
As a result, the PTI was forced to postpone the workers’ convention scheduled for November 19. Mr. Bari thanked party workers across the country for their support and sent a message to the illegal government and the Mian brothers, claiming that the election results had come early due to widespread voter support for PTI Chairman Imran Khan. He warned that the government would face consequences for their actions.
Despite facing obstacles from the caretaker government, Mr. Bari urged PTI workers not to be afraid and emphasized the party’s right to hold public meetings, rallies, and conventions as part of the electoral process. He accused the caretaker governments of fearing Imran Khan’s popularity.
Caretaker Punjab government spokesman and information minister Amir Mir has avoided addressing the discrimination being faced by PTI leaders and workers in their efforts to hold workers’ conventions and campaign for the upcoming general elections on February 8.
In response to these challenges, PTI workers led by party leader Malik Shahzaib Khokhar staged a motorcycle rally on College Road, Township, demonstrating their resolve to continue their political activities and urge the masses to vote for PTI candidates.
Over the past few months, PTI leaders have faced denials in obtaining formal permissions to hold workers’ conventions and corner meetings in Lahore and other cities in the province, as well as across the country. The civil administration has also taken harsh actions against PTI leaders and workers, raiding their offices and residences when they attempt to hold public activities. October 22’s planned workers’ convention in the NA-123 constituency and the PTI Gujranwala offices’ raid on November 10 are examples of such incidents. PTI central Punjab’s Lahore offices were also raided and ransacked on October 27.
Amidst all these challenges, PTI leaders remain steadfast, asserting that the party workers and the people of Pakistan will take revenge through the power of their votes in the upcoming general elections on February 8.
The cancellation of the PTI’s workers’ convention due to threats of police action highlights the difficulties faced by the party in obtaining permissions for its political activities. The situation has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. As the general elections draw closer, it remains to be seen how these challenges will impact PTI’s campaign and its prospects in the upcoming polls.
