Mubashir Nadeem, COO , Republic Policy
Republic Policy Report on PTI Jalsa dated September 21 2024.
Before Lahore Jalsa, according to diverse independent sources, including the Republic Policy Organization, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organized a powerful rally in Islamabad. The rally garnered significant attention due to the speech delivered by Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). In his address, Gandapur challenged the government and all institutions, sparking a heated debate in the political arena. This rally in Islamabad was a precursor to the Lahore Jalsa, which was strategically planned by PTI to further its political agenda. Additionally, PTI announced its plans to hold a Jalsa in Lahore shortly, a move that was part of its larger political strategy.
Accordingly, PTI announced its intention to hold a political gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on September 21, 2024. However, Lahore’s district administration initially denied permission to hold the gathering. PTI subsequently appealed to the Lahore High Court, which, on September 20, 2024, intervened and directed the District Administration to permit PTI to hold the Jalsa. The Lahore High Court’s decision was based on the constitutional right to freedom of assembly, a fundamental right in Pakistan. Resultantly, PTI & DA Lahore agreed to Kahna, an outskirt of Lahore adjacent to Qasur Road for Jalsa. To begin with, it was a daunting task to hold a jalsa on short notice of 24 hours & that too under administratively repressive measures.
However, despite the hurdles, PTI supporters displayed unwavering commitment on social media & built up the narrative & participation. On September 21, the crowd began to gather, and by 5 PM, the allotted venue was almost full, with many individuals and groups still arriving. However, the administration attempted to disrupt the Jalsa by cutting the electricity and sound system around 6 o’clock as the crowd was still gathering & the Jalsa had already shaped a successful audience. The chief guest of the Jalsa, the KPK Chief Minister, and many others were unable to reach the Jalsa gah. Instead of dampening spirits, this administrative incident only served to further unite the PTI supporters at the Jalsa, showcasing their resilience and determination. However, PTI leadership didn’t showcase the required guts to carry on the Jalsa proceedings; however, most of them left the stage & abandoned the workers. This incident also highlighted the absence of key PTI figures, including and a number of PTI MNAs, MPAs, Senators & contesting candidates, raising questions about party unity and commitment.
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Critically, the political gathering indicates a successful rally in terms of numbers as there was a large turnout. The crowd primarily consisted of Lahore residents, with a reasonable level of female participation based on the standards of Pakistani political gatherings. Political workers also participated, but the youth outnumbered all other segments. The impact of the Jalsa was substantial, as the government attempted to avoid it. This event underscores the importance of allowing such political gatherings, as they are a fundamental political right and essential for democracy. The significant impact they can have on the government’s policies and decisions was clearly demonstrated by the Jalsa. Lastly, this gathering should be taken as strongly successful because it was held without Imran Khan, the supreme leader of PTI.
