"Public Assembly Law Enforced as Embattled PTI Prepares for Islamabad Power Show"
1. KP CM Gandapur says "historic" September 8 jalsa will be as successful as February 8 general elections
"Bill proposes up to three-year imprisonment for 'unlawful assembly.'
Gohar confirms allied parties will join PTI’s September 8 rally.
PTI chief claims two workers arrested ahead of jalsa.
ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) anticipated rally in the federal capital, the 'Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024' was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari. The bill, passed in both the Senate and National Assembly despite PTI opposition, regulates public gatherings and allows the district magistrate to ban assemblies, with violators facing up to three years in jail or a fine.
Repeat offenders may be imprisoned for up to 10 years under the new law. The bill allows the district magistrate to extend the ban if conditions warrant.
The PTI is preparing for its public gathering, relocated to an open area near Margalla Road, Iran Avenue, and GT Road, Sangjani. The district magistrate confirmed the change, granting a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the September 8 event, despite security concerns leading to the cancellation of the August 22 rally.
PTI leaders Gohar Ali Khan and Azam Swati claimed the postponement followed instructions from party founder Imran Khan, whom they visited in jail. However, internal party divisions emerged, with Imran's sister Aleema Khan expressing doubt over the leadership's commitment to securing his release.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar announced that allied parties will attend the rally, which will begin at 2pm on Sunday. He also claimed two party workers had been arrested and urged the administration to cooperate.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur predicted that the September 8 rally would be as successful as the February 8 general elections, blaming Pakistan’s economic decline on those currently in power."
