QUETTA/ SWABI: Despite a court order, the Quetta administration on Friday refused to grant permission for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public gathering in the district, citing security concerns and ongoing events in the city.
PTI had planned to hold a rally on Saturday at Quetta’s Hockey Ground, submitting a formal request to the local administration. However, Quetta’s Deputy Commissioner Saad bin Asad denied the request, pointing to law and order issues in the city, with public service commission exams taking place at Ayub National Stadium and ongoing sports events at the Hockey Ground. He also warned that any attempt to violate the order would be met with consequences.
A PTI provincial spokesperson highlighted that the court had directed the local administration to allow the rally, accusing the DC of using delaying tactics in disregarding the court’s directive.
Meanwhile, the PTI is moving forward with its plans for a public gathering in the Service Area near Swabi Interchange. This rally, set for November 9, was announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur last Saturday. The event is part of PTI’s larger campaign, which has seen the party leadership openly criticize the current government’s treatment of their supporters, including alleged torture and arrests of PTI workers.
During a press conference in Rawalpindi, Gandapur stated that PTI had exhausted peaceful measures and now intended to take stronger actions. “The final call to rid the country of this government will be announced at the Swabi rally,” Gandapur said.
According to District President Suhail Yousufzai, around 10-15,000 chairs are being set up for supporters. PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar Khan, the KP Chief Minister, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, and Asad Qaiser, will address the gathering. Yousufzai confirmed that the Chief Minister would outline the party’s next steps during the rally.
