PTI has officially kicked off its public rally in Lahore in honor of International Labor Day. The rally is being led by former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan who also reached Liberty Chowk.
The PTI rally will reach MAO College through Ferozepur Road and end at Nasir Bagh via Lower Mall Road. The rally began moving to its destination after Imran Khan reached Liberty Chowk from Zaman Park under strict security. PTI Chairman Imran Khan will reportedly address the Lahore rally from inside a bombproof vehicle.
Read more: Security barriers removed from Zaman Park as Imran Khan leaves for Islamabad
A sea of PTI supporters and workers came to take part in the rally. Videos of the impressive crowd are going viral on social media. The mammoth crowd gathered in Lahore is a testament to Imran Khan’s popularity as a leader as thousands take to the streets at his call.
لاہور ریلی کی ابتدائ جھلکیاں #PTI pic.twitter.com/qaJPoVAbMW
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 1, 2023
A similar situation persists in Peshawar where despite the imposition of Section 144 and rainy weather, PTI supporters took out rallies to express solidarity with Chairman Imran Khan.
“In unbelievable rain and hail in Peshawar, but our youngsters want to keep on going. This is the spirit Imran Khan is infusing in Pakistan,” PTI leader Taimur Khan Jhagra said while sharing a video from Peshawar.
In unbelievable rain and hail in Peshawar, but our youngsters wanting to keep on going. This is the spirit Imran Khan is infusing in Pakistan.#مزدور_ریلی_کپتان_کےسنگ pic.twitter.com/cw4P48JanM
— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) May 1, 2023
Amid the ongoing round of talks with the ruling alliance over elections, the PTI decided to hold power shows in major cities of the country today on the occasion of Labor Day.
Earlier on Sunday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a show-cause notice to PTI Chairman Imran Khan over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct by announcing a rally in Lahore. Subsequently, the electoral watchdog directed the PTI to call off its May 1 rally.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Peshawar and Islamabad ahead of the expected PTI rallies today. The capital police spokesperson on Twitter said no meetings, processions, or gatherings are allowed in Islamabad, adding indiscriminate legal action will be taken against those who violate the law.
Read more: PTI leaders express outrage as Labor Day rally thwarted by section 144 imposition