Imran Khan challenges govt with D-Chowk protest call
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has given a fresh call for countrywide protests for the 'independence of judiciary', including a demonstration in Islamabad where all such gatherings are banned.
The protest, scheduled for October 4, was announced by PTI founder Imran Khan, following recent threats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who warned the federal government and institutions of severe consequences if actions against PTI workers continued.
Gandapur reiterated the party's commitment to protest at any location designated by the former prime minister. PTI also plans to hold protests in Mianwali, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur on Wednesday, with a larger gathering set for Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore on October 5.
The call for a protest in Islamabad comes despite the recent introduction of the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024,’ which bans public gatherings without prior approval. The law requires protest organizers to appoint an event coordinator who must apply for permission from the district magistrate at least seven days in advance. The magistrate, after reviewing security concerns and law enforcement reports, may grant or deny permission based on the prevailing situation.
The law also allows the federal government to designate areas within Islamabad as 'red zones' or 'high-security zones,' where public assemblies are prohibited.
Following PTI's previous rally in Islamabad's Sangjani area, where several leaders delivered intense speeches, at least 11 PTI members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were arrested from various locations, including the Parliament House.
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