By Zain Khan Watozai
Lahore will be completely sealed on February 8 as authorities enforce strict security measures ahead of the general elections. The city will face heavy law enforcement deployment, roadblocks, and restricted movement, effectively locking down major areas to prevent any disruptions on polling day.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again been denied permission to hold its planned public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan. Citing security concerns and the enforcement of Section 144, authorities have blocked the party from organizing a large-scale political rally at the historic venue. The move has further escalated tensions between PTI and the government, with party leaders calling it an attempt to suppress their election campaign.
In response to the restrictions, PTI has devised an alternative strategy, planning to send small groups of supporters to Minar-i-Pakistan from different locations across the city. The move aims to bypass security barriers while still making a symbolic statement of resistance against government-imposed restrictions.
As PTI launched its virtual rally, titled Vote to Remember, reports surfaced of internet slowdowns in multiple areas. Many PTI supporters took to social media, alleging that the government deliberately disrupted connectivity to hinder the party’s online campaign. The virtual jalsa was PTI’s attempt to engage with voters despite physical restrictions, allowing its leadership to communicate directly with the public ahead of elections. However, the reported connectivity issues have fueled allegations of digital suppression.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz expressed her satisfaction over PTI’s struggles, claiming that the people of Punjab have rejected Imran Khan’s politics and boycotted PTI’s protests. She hailed the lack of public participation in PTI’s planned demonstrations as a sign of diminishing support for the party.
With the elections just days away, the political atmosphere remains tense, as PTI continues to face significant obstacles in both physical and digital spaces.
