The ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) rally in Lahore came to an abrupt end as the event’s designated time expired, leading to the shutdown of the sound system by the DJ.
According to Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Syed Musa Raza, the rally was permitted to continue until 6:00 PM, after which the organizers were required to close the event.
DC Lahore emphasized that the rally organizers must adhere to the agreed-upon schedule, warning that any violation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) would result in legal action.
As the rally time ended, the lights at the venue were switched off, plunging the gathering into darkness, and the sound system was turned off by the DJ, signaling the official end of the event.
Reports from the scene indicate that the main container, which served as the stage for PTI leaders, began to empty out as workers left the area. PTI leaders were also seen departing from the container, leaving the venue quiet.
Negotiations between the PTI rally organizers, the police, and district administration officials were reportedly ongoing to ensure the situation remained under control. The district administration reiterated that any breach of the NOC would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Non-bailable arrest warrants
Earlier today, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and several other leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The PTI leadership is booked in a case at the I-9 police station of Islamabad under various charges, including terrorism, and vandalism.
During the hearing of Gandapur's bail application on Saturday, his lawyer filed an application for exemption from appearance. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, presiding over the case, rejected the application, noting that Gandapur had been granted an exemption on Sept 4 on the account of an illness, but on Sept 8, he seemed to be in good health during a public meeting.
Lawyer Zahoor Al Hasan argued for an exemption today, ensuring that his client would appear in the next hearing. This observation led the court to issue the non-bailable warrants.
In addition to Gandapur, the ATC also issued arrest warrants for PTI leaders Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and Rashid Hafeez. The court further declared another PTI leader, Umar Tanveer Butt, as a proclaimed offender. Meanwhile, PTI Senator Faisal Javed, who also faces charges, successfully had his request for exemption from attendance accepted.
The prosecutor in the case argued that the accused had repeatedly violated court orders and displayed a pattern of non-cooperation. "The court should take note of the accused's continuous violations," the prosecutor urged.
Meanwhile, the chief minister is also involved in a case concerning the recovery of alcohol and arms. The hearing for this case will be held today in the court of Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi.
Earlier, the court had issued a warrant for Gandapur’s arrest, which was later canceled after his lawyer assured the court that Gandapur would appear in person. The court accepted this assurance, backed by personal surety, and canceled the warrant.
At the previous hearing, Judge Kundi had indicated that a verdict on Gandapur's acquittal petition might be announced today. However, the proceedings remain ongoing. This case was registered against Gandapur in 2016 at the Bhara Kahu police station.
