Imran Khan’s party, the PTI, postponed its Islamabad rally on Thursday after what it said was due to the government’s conspiracy to spread chaos.

The party changed its plans at the eleventh hour, prompting ire from supporters and some leaders within the party. The Islamabad district administration had announced a holiday in government and private schools on Thursday, sealing the red zone. Metro bus service in the twin cities had also been suspended.

It may be recalled that tensions between PTI and the administration increased when the administration cancelled the permit just a day before the rally. PTI was granted permission for the rally at Tarnol, but the permit was cancelled the previous day.

After the cancellation of the permit, PTI leaders expressed a strong reaction. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that caravans from across the province would leave for Islamabad at 3pm at the Swabi Interchange. PTI Chairman Gohar had said that if the court has issued orders, then the NOC cannot be cancelled by the administration.

In a statement signed by Secretary General Umar Ayub, it was said: “PTI founder Imran Khan has issued important instructions from jail, in accordance with the instructions, the date of the rally scheduled to be held in Islamabad on August 22 is being changed.”

The party’s statement said: “There are reports that the government is plotting to create unrest during this rally. We have a message for all our workers: continue with the preparations, take to the streets, and carry on the movement. The new date for the rally will be announced soon.”

Red Zone sealed

The district administration of Islamabad has sealed the red zone and announced a holiday for both public and private schools in Islamabad on Thursday.

The decision to keep schools closed today was made in the backdrop of the announcement of a PTI rally and a call for protest by a religious party over the proceedings of the Mubarak Sani case in the Supreme Court.

However, PTI announced early on Thursday that party founder Imran Khan has instructed that the rally be postponed. A party notification quoted Imran Khan as saying that the government wanted to spread chaos under the garb of the rally.

Rally on September 8

The party has now announced that the rally will be held on September 8 for which permission has been granted by the district authorities.

The notification stated that the individuals holding the gathering will not infringe upon the fundamental rights of any citizen. People are to assemble at 4:00 PM and the gathering must end by 7:00 PM.

Schools closed

On the instructions of the Interior Ministry, the District Commissioner of Islamabad decided to keep the schools closed given the prevailing situation, with the safety of the children being the primary concern.

According to the Education Board spokesperson, the ongoing Matric supplementary exams and paper in Rawalpindi will continue as per the normal schedule today.

The board spokesperson, Arsalan Chima, stated that there are only 6 exam centers for the Matric supplementary exams in Rawalpindi.

Metro services suspended

Due to the rallies and protests planned for August 22, the Metro bus service in Rawalpindi and Islamabad will remain suspended for the day, and the security at the Metro bus stations has also been enhanced.

Public gathering banned in Punjab

The Government of Punjab had also imposed Section 144 across the province. As per the notification, Section 144 will remain in effect in Punjab from August 22 to 24. Under Section 144, all kinds of political and public gatherings will be prohibited in Punjab.

Section 144 has been imposed to maintain law and order, and to protect human lives and property. The restriction has been implemented given the potential threats of terrorism.

Containers placed on GT Road

Islamabad administration and the police have placed containers on the GT Road and dug up the venue to prevent the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a potential rally in Tarnol.

However, a day before the rally, the Islamabad district administration revoked the NoC (No Objection Certificate) for the rally. The Islamabad administration stated that it would be difficult to control the crowd at the rally, and a few days ago, the protesters had also reached the Supreme Court, so permission for the rally could not be granted under these circumstances.

The district administration has decided to completely shut down the Metro bus service from the President station to the Pak Secretariat.

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NOC cancellation

The chairman of PTI, Barrister Gohar Khan, responded to the cancellation of the NoC for the Islamabad rally by the Islamabad administration. He said that the KP CM and other central leadership will participate in the Islamabad rally. He stated that if the court has issued orders, the administration cannot cancel the NoC. He said they are holding the rally 30 km away from the Red Zone and there is no plan for a sit-in.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amir Gandapur had said the rally will happen in Islamabad on Thursday, and the KP caravan will depart from Swabi at 3 pm, which he will lead himself. He said this is a decisive moment to show who stands with Imran Khan, for the truth, and for the constitution.

PTI Islamabad president Aamir Mughal said there is a conspiracy to kill Imran Khan in jail, and the PTI rally will be held in Islamabad. He said it is time to get rid of the ‘selected’ government, and if he is made a martyr, his wish is to hold the funeral procession at the rally site.

The PTI had announced a rally on Thursday, August 22, for which the administration had earlier permitted them to hold the event in Tarnol.