The Punjab government readied itself on Saturday for potential clashes with supporters and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the party vowed to gather at Minar-e-Pakistan for an “independent” judiciary and the release of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.
Announced by the PTI earlier this week, the protest intends to “celebrate” Khan’s 72nd birthday, with the government warning that any violations of Section 144, imposed in the provincial capital until Oct. 8, would elicit a stern response.
On Saturday, the Punjab government, under Article 245, deployed the Army in the province, with a notification stating it would ensure law and order and security at all roads, airports and other public areas. Earlier, the government had similarly called nine companies of the paramilitary Rangers in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Attock to perform duties on Saturday. Police have also been placed on high-alert to avoid any untoward situation.
Ahead of the protest, per police and PTI, the Punjab government detained around 600 party workers in various raids on party workers’ homes and offices.
In contrast to the situation in Islamabad, however, the government has opted against blocking roads within the city, but containers have been placed at entry and exit points of the city to discourage “outsiders” from reaching the city to protest.
Despite the restrictions, the PTI has vowed to ensure its protest at Minar-e-Pakistan proves a success. PTI Punjab acting president Hammad Azhar, who is a proclaimed offender and has evaded arrest multiple times, expressed the hope in a posting on X that the people of Lahore would come out in large numbers to “reject” the incumbent government.