The PTI shifted the location of their demonstration on Thursday after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah issued a stern warning. Instead, the PTI urged its supporters to assemble in Islamabad’s F9 Park to protest the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, had earlier declared that a peaceful demonstration calling for the CEC’s resignation will take place today, Thursday, outside the ECP.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned PTI on Wednesday that anybody trying to enter the Red Zone will face harsh punishment and secured the area with shipping containers.
He added that while PTI members might challenge the election commission, they should keep in mind that the Islamabad High Court has put limits on holding rallies in the Red Zone.
There are some specific locations where the PTI can stage a “peaceful protest as it was everyone’s right in the democratic era,” he said, highlighting that protests are strictly prohibited in the Red Zone and that anyone caught trying to enter the area shouldn’t later complain about the results of their actions.
PTI alters the protest location
Today, PTI Chairman Imran Khan made a fresh call for protest on Twitter, telling his followers to assemble at Islamabad’s F9 Park to demonstrate against CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja.
He added, “Today I’m urging all our people to come out at F9 Park at 6pm for a peaceful public protest against CEC & ECP.”
The former prime minister said that he will speak to the crowd between 7 and 7:30 o’clock.
Red Zone in Islamabad is closed
The district administration of Islamabad closed off the Red Zone and set up containers at the federal capital’s entrances in case there were any disturbances.
Around the Red Zone, law enforcement personnel from anti-riot forces, Rangers, FC, and police have been stationed.
PTI is permitted to host a public event at F-9 Park.
The PTI was able to organise a public meeting today at the F-9 Park or in Sector H-9 since the party opted to switch the protest location.
The party will have to abide by the guidelines established by the authorities, according to the notification sent by the district governing.
