In a groundbreaking move that circumvented a widespread internet blockade across major cities in Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) achieved a political milestone by hosting the nation’s first-ever virtual public gathering on social media platforms on Sunday night. Despite what many critics deemed an “internet crackdown” targeting the power show, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan addressed an estimated one million concurrent users worldwide, spanning across Asia, Europe, and America.
The PTI chief used the platform to unveil the party’s ambitious 150-page manifesto, promising extensive reforms in the judiciary, executive, police, and policies for overseas Pakistanis. The announcement comes in the wake of the election schedule being announced, indicating that PTI is gearing up for the upcoming elections.
However, as anticipation built for the virtual rally, internet monitoring service Netblocks reported a widespread disruption in major social media platforms across Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The disruption, occurring just before the scheduled 9 pm rally, led to difficulties accessing these platforms in key cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, with users also reporting a notable slowdown in internet services during this period.
Addressing the rally, Barrister Gohar Khan highlighted the challenges PTI faced, revealing that over 180 bogus cases had been registered against PTI founding chairman and former premier Imran Khan. He clarified that he was speaking on behalf of Imran Khan, who had recommended his interim appointment as chairman to protect the party’s election identity.
The rally also featured a video-recorded message from Imran Khan, appealing to overseas Pakistanis to contribute to PTI for the upcoming general elections. Imran Khan stressed the need for financial support, saying, “I once again need your support as you supported me in the past.”
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub announced the launch of a donation website (PakistanBadlo.Overseas.com) and urged people worldwide to generously contribute to their beloved party for the upcoming elections.
The event paid homage to fallen heroes, including those from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Police, PTI martyrs, incarcerated women, and individuals who endured hardships for advocating the right side of history. Barrister Gohar Khan urged citizens to turn out in force on February 8, emphasizing that voting for PTI would pave the way for a brighter future for the nation.
Highlighting the significance of the vote, Khan emphasized that the people of Pakistan hold the key not only to liberate Imran Khan but also to reinstate him as the prime minister, shaping the country’s destiny. He paid tribute to PTI women, including those facing hardships in jail, emphasizing their commitment to the future of Pakistan.
Senior leaders of the party, including Senator Azam Khan Swati, Ali Amin Gandapur, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri, Hammad Azhar, Rauf Hasan, Zartaj Gul Wazir, Ali Muhammad Khan, and others also addressed the historic virtual gathering. Initially announced to conclude in three hours, the event continued for four and a half hours, concluding at 1:30 am.
