On 8 September 2024, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a highly successful power show in Islamabad. [1] [2]
This event followed a previously scheduled rally on 22 August — an event that was abruptly cancelled after the Islamabad administration revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Reports then emerged suggesting that Imran Khan — the former PTI Chairman from 1996 to 2023 and Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022 — had been warned by security agencies about a potential plan to incite violence during the August rally.
In response, Khan opted to delay the event, prioritising safety.
Huge turnout in spite of harsh conditions
The rescheduled rally, held earlier this month, drew a massive crowd despite the numerous conditions imposed by the authorities.
Over 40 restrictions, ranging from sound volume limits to crowd dispersal times, were set as part of the NOC.
Additionally, roadblocks — particularly along routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab — were erected using containers, some of which were filled with mud to increase their weight.
Despite these obstacles, PTI supporters remained undeterred, removing many containers manually or with machinery brought by the crowd.
Islamabad, Lahore, and beyond
During the rally, Ali Amin Gandapur — Chief Minister of KPK — delivered an impassioned speech.
He issued a two-week ultimatum, demanding the release of Imran Khan from Adiala Jail, warning that he would lead a march to the prison if his demands weren’t met.
Gandapur spoke in both Urdu and Pashto, emphasising the strength of the Pashtun community and drawing on cultural references to rally support.
He also announced that the PTI’s next major gathering would be in Lahore, signalling the party’s continued momentum.
Government’s legislative amendments
Following the event, reactions from the government were swift and severe.
Ministers from the ruling coalition issued strong condemnations, with several PTI leaders being arrested.
Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI Chairman, and other senior figures were detained. And for a time, there were concerns that Gandapur had also been taken into custody. However, he later re-established contact with his team.
This escalating confrontation is unfolding against a backdrop of significant legislative changes.
The ruling party is pushing for amendments to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a move seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power.
This proposal has raised constitutional questions, particularly regarding the interpretation of a two-thirds parliamentary majority needed for such changes.
Situation at a boiling point
Tensions between the PTI and the government are now at a boiling point.
The military’s involvement in managing the political landscape has only deepened the crisis.
With the possibility of Imran Khan’s release from jail in the coming weeks — following the dropping of most charges against him — Pakistan’s political future remains highly uncertain.
Many analysts are drawing parallels to the events preceding the Bangladesh Liberation War. They are warning that the government’s actions against PTI leaders — particularly Gandapur — risk deepening regional divides, particularly in KPK province.
In the weeks to come, Pakistan faces a volatile situation, with each passing day bringing new developments that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
Whether Imran Khan’s eventual release can stabilise the situation or further ignite tensions remains to be seen.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] https://www.dawn.com/news/1857709/pti-holds-major-rally-on-islamabads-outskirts
