Mubashir Nadeem
A political gathering, with its unique power, is always essential for showcasing a political party’s political strength. Despite the rise of social media and other sources of political popularity, field gatherings stand out as the most potent expression of political popularity and muscle, appreciated for their pivotal role in the political landscape.
According to the results of Republic Policy field surveys conducted during the years 2023-24 at the level of union councils across Pakistan, PTI emerged as the most popular political party. This significant shift in political dynamics, as indicated by the surveys replicated on 8th February, underscores the evolving political landscape in Pakistan, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current political scenario.
Since the elections, PTI, as an organized political party, has yet to be able to wage a serious political movement for the restoration of its mandate. There has been internal and external pressure on the organizers of PTI, as it is its responsibility to take back the mandate that the people of Pakistan have given it. PTI promised to the people of Pakistan ” Haqeeqi Azaadi ” and the rule of law. Therefore, most of the electorate voted for PTI.
Apart from Haqeeqi Azaadi, PTI has the second substantive challenge of releasing Imran Khan, whom they believe is being targeted for his political position. Since February 2024, PTI has remained inconsistent and confused about holding big rallies. Finally, they called a political rally on 8th September after calling off the earlier rally at Islamabad. The PMLN-led federal government legislated a dark piece of legislation to hold political rallies in Islamabad, further complicating PTI’s efforts. Despite these challenges, PTI persevered, demonstrating their commitment to their political objectives.
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Under these challenges, PTI needed to hold a successful political rally. The success of this rally was not just a matter of numbers, but a crucial step towards achieving PTI’s political objectives. Despite biased trolling and trolling back puns, according to independent sources, PTI gathered a big crowd at the rally and around it. As usual, the rally needed to be more disciplined as several vehicles and PTI workers, mainly from KPK, could not attend. However, workers from Pothohar and Punjab also attended the rally in large numbers, contributing to its success.
The numbers for a political rally are essential. However, the speeches and future course of action are more important. The political speeches of PTI leadership at the rally were direct and challenging and inspired their supporters irrespective of the content. What does PTI need? PTI needs to take back its mandate and get Imran Khan released. PTI has two options: one is through the judiciary, and the second is by generating political street pressure for those who matter in Pakistan’s power system. PTI may not be able to get swift judicial relief. PTI may also not dominate the parliament as their numbers are lower. Therefore, according to political pundits, PTI has only one option left to generate street power for its objectives. Even street power is essential for them to take relief from the judiciary as the judiciary needs public support in these testing times.
The political rally in Islamabad is successful. It will rejuvenate the morale of PTI leadership, workers, and supporters. Punjab is the real political battleground. This rally will allow PTI leadership the confidence to organize and motivate PTI organizations in the districts. If motivated PTI leadership can assemble bigger crowds in Punjab, it will tremendously pressurize the PMLN-led federal and provincial governments in the centre of Punjab. The success of the PTI rally in Islamabad may provide momentum to PTI, which it is looking desperately for. However, to translate this success, PTI leadership will have to show greater resistance and consistency.
