In Lahore, Pakistan, ahead of an upcoming election, supporters of Pakistani politician Imran Khan’s party, PTI, were arrested as they prepared for a planned peaceful rally, resulting in a ban on all demonstrations and gatherings just hours before the event.
The government fears Khan’s growing popularity and is using pressure tactics against him, such as filing over 70 cases and preventing him from exercising his right to free speech.
The government imposed a ban on all demonstrations and large gatherings for a week just hours before the rally was set to take place. Anti-riot police and regular police were heavily deployed, blocking roads leading to Khan’s residence in Zaman Park with shipping containers. Dozens of party supporters were taken away by heavily armed police, that also used tear gas, and water cannons on the peaceful rally.
There are accusations that chemicals have been mixed into the water used by police to prevent people from gathering in the area. The situation is tense, as Khan’s political victory after victory may threaten the government’s position. This comes after the police failed to arrest Khan at his home in Lahore on Sunday, and another case has been filed in Baluchistan regarding his criticism of the country’s establishment.
Supporters fear the government will use the situation as an excuse to postpone the elections set for April 30, 2023 by the Supreme Court. The government cites concerns of a law and order situation if the rally were to go ahead.
In this undated video, we see Bilal singing along with the song
Hum Ghulam Nahi Hain [We are not slaves (of US backed establishment)]
This has become the national song against this US backed PM – Shehbaz Sharif
