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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed the venue of its rally scheduled to be held on August 13 as the coalition government warned the opposition party of “dire consequences” if law and order would be disrupted.
Former prime minister Imran Khan-led party, which is in power in Punjab, will now hold an anti-government power show in Lahore’s Hockey Ground instead of Parade Ground in the federal capital, the party announced on Twitter.
According to Express News, the decision was taken in the PTI’s political committee meeting chaired by its chairman Imran Khan. The huddle was attended by the top leadership of the party.
In the meeting, the party mulled over the proposal to hold the gathering either in Rawalpindi or Lahore.
After deliberations, the PTI chief approved the proposal to organise the rally in Lahore instead of Islamabad amid fears that the federal government could create obstacles, sources said.
Also read: Govt warns PTI of ‘dire consequences’ if Aug 13 rally turns violent
The PTI’s change of plan coincided with the announcement of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah who warned the PTI of “dire consequences” if its workers disrupted law and order or resorted to violence during the party’s August 13 rally in Islamabad.
Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad on Monday, Sanaullah said it was the constitutional right of PTI workers to stage peaceful protests but added that the government would deal with them with an iron fist “if they use violence or tried to blackmail the government”.
He also reminded the PTI of a crackdown on its workers and leaders during May 25 Islamabad long march, saying this time around consequences will be “grave”.