-Imran Khan decides to shift August 13 rally from Islamabad to Lahore’s Hockey Ground
-May 25 accused will be held accountable after Muharram, says Fawad
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: The PTI has shifted the venue of its August 13 “Haqeeqi Azadi jalsa” from Islamabad’s Parade Ground to the Lahore Hockey Ground, party’s focal person Azhar Mashwani said on Monday.
“The decision was taken by Chairman Imran Khan in a meeting today,” he said in a statement, elaborating that the development comes after the party learnt about the federal government’s “insufficient” plans for celebrations on Independence Day.
“[The] proud Pakistanis of Lahore will celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a grand manner at Hockey Stadium Lahore,” he said.
Mashwani added that the ex-premier will attend the rally and address supporters as well.
Separately, in a press conference at Bani Gala earlier in the day, PTI leader Omar Ayub said that party workers had visited the Pindi Cricket Stadium and Liaqat National Bagh.
“We were told that the stadium just got new pitches while plantation was underway in the park.”
He went on that the PTI had been given permission for the rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground. “But at the last moment we found out that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan wanted to hold a protest there and it could have created problems.
“Hence, we came to the conclusion that Lahore is the best location [for the rally],” he said, adding that ground was spacious and could fit all of Imran’s supporters.
On Sunday, the PTI chief had said that he would announce a strategy to “counter this fascism” during the August 13 rally.
Meanwhile, at a press conference earlier in the day, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned the PTI of “worst repercussions” if its upcoming protest turned violent.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhary on Monday said that the accountability of those involved in harassment of PTI people during party’s Islamabad March on May 25 will begin after Muharram.
In a statement on twitter, the former federal minister pointed out that Hamza Shehbaz, who has been accused of 24 billion rupees money laundering, escaped to London, but, only five FIA teams have been set up to investigate the case.
“Shehbaz Sharif & company think the nation is stupid,” he added. Furthermore, he said the nation should prepare for the final stage of the real freedom struggle.
