Echoing its historical significance, Greater Iqbal Park, with Minar-e-Pakistan in its core, has been a major focus for political power displays in Lahore. Many political figures and parties have selected this famous site throughout the years to demonstrate their popularity and leave a lasting impression.
The park has a long history of accommodating political events dating back to the historic All India Muslim League conference held on March 23, 1940. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was present at this momentous occasion when the resolution calling for the country's foundation was presented. This historic event cemented the park's reputation as a representation of the oneness of the country.
Minar-e-Pakistan is the site of yet another one of these large-scale political gatherings, this time to greet a well-known figure who is coming home from exile. Notably, a rally hosted by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto upon her return from exile took place here on April 10, 1986, the last time such an occasion occurred.
The People's Party founder, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, held a sizable rally in the park following the 1970 elections, among other notable events. After Benazir Bhutto was elected prime minister in 1989, she hosted an important function at Minar-e-Pakistan.
Other political figures who have left their mark at this historic venue include PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, who held a rally from the platform of Islamic Democratic Unity, and former President General Pervez Musharraf, who convened a rally here on April 30, 2002, to assume the presidency. The United National Movement also chose this venue for a rally on August 13, 2006.
A historic rally was organized by Chairman Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Sheikh Salam Professor Dr. Muhammad Tahirul Qadri, on December 23, 2012, which set a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has a strong presence at this iconic site, having held several meetings here. Their series of gatherings commenced on October 30, 2011, and continued on March 23, 2013, and September 28, 2014. Following the fall of the government, PTI organized another meeting on April 21, 2022, in the lawn surrounding Minar-e-Pakistan.
Now, after 18 months since PTI's last meeting at this historic venue, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has chosen Minar-e-Pakistan for their rally once again. In just two and a half years, this marks the second PML-N rally at this iconic location, continuing its legacy as a hub for political activity.
