Imran Khan asks supporters to take to streets to support judiciary

LAHORE: Amid the ongoing judiciary-executive tussle, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged the nation to come out of their homes today (Saturday) to show solidarity with Constitution and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.

Taking to Twitter, the former premier wrote: “I am urging people to come out between 5.30 pm & 6.30 pm today to show their solidarity with our Constitution and the CJP”.

The PTI chairman announced that the PTI would hold four rallies in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar on Saturday evening simultaneously. Imran said that he would himself lead the rally in Lahore (from Zaman Park to Lakshami Chowk).

I am urging people to come out between 5.30 pm & 6.30 pm today to show their solidarity with our Constitution and the CJP. pic.twitter.com/PLc2zn9tuI

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 6, 2023

He said that the country is currently at a decisive phase of the history. “Today, Pakistan is going through record inflation and unemployment and a mafia is seizing it. The incumbent government is afraid of facing defeat in the elections.”

Imran Khan blamed the government for deliberately taking steps for destroying the Constitution and the Supreme Court (SC). “A mafia is running propaganda against the CJP and SC judges. I am appealing to the nation to come out for showing their solidarity with the CJP on Saturday evening.”

“I had made maximum efforts to hold elections before the formation of a new government. Constitution also orders to hold elections in 90 days after the dissolution of the assembly. 15 judges of the Supreme Court (SC) had also given their opinion to hold polls in 90 days but the caretaker government is unwilling to organise polls.”

PTI chief Imran Khan reiterated that elections are the only solution to pull the country out of the crisis.

Section 144 imposed in Lahore

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed in Islamabad ahead of planned rallies by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in solidarity with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.

 A notification in this regard has been issued by the Islamabad Capital Police, banning rallies in federal capital.

Section 144 bans a gathering of more than four people at one place for rallies and protests and also bans carrying weapons.

In a statement, the capital police spokesperson warned of legal action against rallies without permission. “Citizens may face difficulties due to closure of roads tomorrow”, the police said, advising the residents to get information about routes before travelling.