Pakistan: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party postpones Oct. 15 rally in Lahore to Oct. 19 /update 1

Event

The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party has postponed a planned rally in Lahore from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19 after the Deputy Commissioner's Office legally denied the PTI from assembling at Liberty Chowk. The purpose of the action is to mobilize grassroots-level support ahead of the general election slated to occur sometime in 2024. Organizers have not yet confirmed the start time and the location of the gathering but have requested permission to stage rallies at either GPO Chowk, PMG Chowk, Nasir Bagh park, Mochi Bagh park, or Baba Ground.

Authorities will likely monitor any rallies that materialize. Officials may use force, including tear gas and baton charges, to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Isolated clashes between police and activists, as well as between rival political groups, cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators are likely to march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Avoid any demonstration that materializes as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near any gathering sites. Heed instructions from authorities.