The district administration of Quetta has imposed a ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned rally, citing serious security concerns.
Authorities have stationed a heavy police presence around the hockey ground venue and its surrounding areas, with officers sealing the venue’s main entrance and blocking routes leading to the rally site.
According to the Quetta deputy commissioner, the government decided to deny permission to the PTI due to security risks and the ongoing Public Service Commission exams at Ayub Stadium. “Providing security for a large political gathering amid current conditions will be a challenge,” the deputy commissioner stated, adding that any violation of the law would result in strict action.
The move comes after the PTI applied for permission to hold the event at Ayub Stadium or the hockey ground, a request that was denied by the administration.
The administration also recalled a standing government order against holding political events in sports facilities.
However, the PTI Balochistan representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the rally, with a spokesperson calling on supporters to reach the hockey ground by 2pm. “The rally will take place regardless of the ban,” the spokesperson asserted.
Meanwhile, PTI members in Karachi, including leaders Haleem Adil Sheikh and Raja Azhar, departed from Sohrab Goth in a convoy to participate in a separate PTI event in Swabi. However, authorities detained 10 individuals, including Sheikh and Azhar, as they prepared to travel for the Swabi rally.
