A debate on social media regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Saturday’s power show in Lahore is unfolding. PTI supporters believe the rally was successful, arguing that many energized attendees showed up despite the provincial government’s tactics. Conversely, opponents of PTI label it the most unsuccessful rally in Lahore’s history.
The rally “ended unceremoniously” after the district administration switched off the lights and sound system, forcing party leaders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, to leave the stage after the permitted time limit of 6 PM.
In response to the rally’s low attendance, ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ministers have termed the event a failure. “People have rejected the public gathering of PTI in Lahore,” said Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in televised remarks. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed that the masses boycotted the rally, asserting that only 3,000 people attended and rejecting PTI’s narrative against the state and government.
Breaking down the attendance, Bokhari stated that only 1,500 people from Lahore reached the venue. “PTI’s Dera Ghazi Khan leadership arrived with 100 to 150 people, while Sheikh Imtiaz managed to gather only 15 to 20 people. Rai Hassan Nawaz brought only 60 to 70 people,” she said.
The rally was permitted from 2 PM to 6 PM, but PTI leaders leading convoys from other parts of the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, could not arrive at Ring Road Kahna by the deadline.
On the other hand, impartial analysts noted that although a significant number of PTI supporters managed to reach the venue despite government hurdles, this can be viewed as a successful power show for the party under the current circumstances. However, compared to previous massive rallies in the city, it could be considered a flop due to the relatively low turnout.
