The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to hold public rallies at 101 locations in Islamabad on May 14 to show support for the Constitution and judiciary. This comes after the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, stressed that support should be given to the Supreme Court and not to any individual. The rallies will coincide with the election for the Punjab Assembly that has been scheduled on the Supreme Court’s orders.
Last week, the PTI held a rally in Lahore to support the Constitution, the Supreme Court, and the Chief Justice of Pakistan. PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who was ousted as the prime minister through a no-confidence vote in April last year, stated that it was the nation’s decision to stand with the Constitution and against the government’s alleged propaganda and pressure against the judiciary.
The former ruling party has formally requested permission to hold public gatherings from the Islamabad district administrator. The party has informed the capital administration about the rallies via a letter. PTI leader Ali Nawaz Awan has confirmed that the party will hold rallies at 4 pm on May 14 to show solidarity with the Constitution and the Chief Justice.
In his remarks on minority rights in Lahore, Chief Justice Bandial emphasized that the protection of the Constitution is the Supreme Court’s fundamental responsibility. He further stated that the court’s decision is final if not challenged. He urged people not to pledge support to any individual but to the Supreme Court.
The PTI rallies are expected to draw a large crowd, and the party has pledged to continue holding rallies until May 14. The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of movement, assembly, and speech, as stated by Ali Nawaz Awan.
Overall, the PTI’s move to hold rallies in support of the Constitution and judiciary reflects the increasing polarization between the government and opposition in Pakistan. The PTI has been critical of the judiciary’s decisions, and its supporters have accused the government of trying to undermine the independence of the judiciary. The upcoming rallies are likely to generate significant public interest and could impact the political landscape in Pakistan.