The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) rally in Lahore came to an abrupt halt as the event’s designated time expired, prompting the DJ to shut down the sound system.
Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Syed Musa Raza, stated that the rally was permitted to continue until 6:00 PM, after which the organizers were obligated to end the event.
DC Lahore stressed that the rally organizers must adhere to the agreed schedule, warning that any breach of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) would lead to legal consequences.
As the rally time ended, the lights at the venue were turned off, plunging the gathering into darkness, and the DJ turned off the sound system, officially signaling the conclusion of the event.
Reports from the scene indicated that the main container, which served as the stage for PTI leaders, began to empty as workers departed. PTI leaders were also seen leaving, leaving the venue quiet.
Negotiations between PTI organizers, police, and district administration officials were reportedly underway to maintain control of the situation. The district administration reiterated that any violation of the NOC would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Non-bailable arrest warrants issued
Earlier in the day, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and several other PTI leaders.
The PTI leadership is implicated in a case at Islamabad’s I-9 police station under multiple charges, including terrorism and vandalism.
During the hearing of Gandapur’s bail application on Saturday, his lawyer sought an exemption from his appearance. However, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra rejected the request, noting that while Gandapur was granted an exemption on September 4 due to illness, he appeared to be in good health during a public meeting on September 8.
Lawyer Zahoor Al Hasan assured the court that his client would appear at the next hearing, but the judge proceeded to issue non-bailable warrants.
In addition to Gandapur, the court also issued warrants for PTI leaders Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and Rashid Hafeez. Another leader, Umar Tanveer Butt, was declared a proclaimed offender, while PTI Senator Faisal Javed successfully obtained an exemption from attendance.
The prosecutor argued that the accused had repeatedly violated court orders and demonstrated a pattern of non-cooperation, urging the court to take note of these violations.
Chief Minister Gandapur is also involved in a separate case regarding the recovery of alcohol and weapons, with a hearing scheduled before Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi.
Previously, a warrant for Gandapur’s arrest was canceled after his lawyer assured the court of his personal appearance. The court accepted this assurance with personal surety and canceled the warrant.
At a prior hearing, Judge Kundi indicated that a verdict on Gandapur’s acquittal petition might be delivered today, but proceedings are still ongoing. This case dates back to 2016, filed at the Bhara Kahu police station.
