As state security agencies continue their intensified crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) since May 9, party leaders find themselves either under arrest or in hiding. However, PTI has devised a creative strategy to challenge the state’s suppressive measures and make its presence felt on the national stage.
In a bold move, PTI leadership has called upon the public to buy and hoist PTI flags across the country. This call to action has garnered a massive response from the party’s supporters, creating a surge in the sale of PTI flags in tandem with the Pakistan national flag, as the nation prepares to celebrate its Independence Day.
Reports from various cities suggest that the sale of PTI flags has gained significant momentum. A vendor situated at Bhati Gate in the Walled City of Lahore revealed that he has been selling an average of 150 to 200 PTI flags daily. Additionally, other items such as badges, green leaflets, and pictures of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are also selling briskly.
The PTI flag movement is not confined to Lahore alone; similar reports are emerging from other cities as well. The response to the call for displaying PTI flags has reportedly unnerved local police forces, prompting them to issue warnings to vendors against selling PTI flags. This move seems to reflect the concern of the authorities regarding the symbolism and potency of PTI’s flag movement.
Adding to the momentum, PTI flags and related merchandise are now available for purchase online through various websites, including www.ptishop.pk, www.insafstore.pk, and www.draz.pk. These online platforms offer a range of products, from PTI flags to souvenirs containing images of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the leader of PTI.
With Independence Day just around the corner, the PTI workers’ planned demonstration of their flag power on August 14 holds the promise of sending a clear message to the powers that be: PTI is very much alive and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. As the crackdown intensifies, the PTI’s innovative approach to asserting its presence and challenging the authorities has caught the attention of both supporters and critics, setting the stage for a potentially impactful Independence Day display.
