A view of a PTI rally in Lahore.
PTI/X
As the capital of Punjab, Lahore has been a focal point for major political movements, shaping both provincial and national politics
Key rallies in city, particularly the 2011 PTI rally, marked the party's emergence as a significant political force in Pakistan
Pakistani politics has seen many ups and downs since its independence in 1947, with the power struggle between civilian and military leaders shaping the country’s political landscape.
However, one thing is pretty clear: the political heartbeat of the country often revolves around Punjab, especially its capital, Lahore, where the main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is gearing up for a major power show in the city tonight.
Provincial capital holds deep significance in Pakistani politics due to its historical, cultural, and political prominence. As the capital of Punjab, the most populous and politically influential province, Lahore has long been the center of political movements and power dynamics.
The city has witnessed numerous events that not only impacted the province but also reshaped the entire country’s future—for better or worse, depending on perspective.
Here are some of the most significant political events in Lahore’s history:
Lahore resolution
Date: March 23, 1940
At the All India Muslim League Working Committee, Lahore session, March 1940.Wikimedia Commons
At Minto Park (now Iqbal Park), the All India Muslim League, led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, passed the Lahore Resolution.
This pivotal moment called for the creation of an independent Muslim state in South Asia, setting the stage for the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.
Anti-Ahmadi protests
Date: March 1953
The anti-Ahmadis Lahore riots of 1953.X
Lahore became the epicenter of widespread riots and protests targeting the Ahmadi community.
Subsequently, martial law was declared in the city for the first time in Pakistan's history, marking a significant moment in the country’s post-independence era.
Movement for restoration of democracy (MRD)
Date: August-September 1983
Revolutionary left-wing poet, Habib Jalib, reciting a poem at an MRD rally in Lahore (1983).Courtesy: Dawn
Lahore played a crucial role during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) against General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime.
Massive protests, especially by students, trade unions, and political activists, took place in Lahore, pushing for the restoration of civilian rule.
Benazir Bhutto’s long march
Date: April 10, 1986
Benazir Bhutto addresses massive rally in Lahore in 1986.Courtesy: PPP Media Cell
After years of exile, Benazir Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), returned to a hero’s welcome in Lahore.
Millions greeted her, reinvigorating opposition to the military regime and bolstering her political career.
Judicial crisis and lawyers' movement
Date: March 2007 – 2009
Lawyers protesting in Lahore in 2009.AFP
Lahore was at the heart of the Lawyers' Movement, a nationwide protest against the dismissal of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry by President General Pervez Musharraf.
The movement eventually led to Musharraf’s resignation and the judiciary's restoration.
PTI rally in Lahore
Date: October 30, 2011
PTI chief Imran Khan addresses a rally in Lahore on October 30, 2011.Courtesy: Dawn
Imran Khan’s PTI held a massive rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, marking a turning point for the party.
The event established PTI as a major political force ahead of the 2013 elections.
PML-N GT road rally
Date: August 2017
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif (C) waves as his convoy passes supporters during a rally on August 12, 2017 in Lahore.AFP
After his disqualification by the Supreme Court, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif led a rally from Islamabad to Lahore via GT Road.
The rally demonstrated Nawaz’s influence and defiance, symbolizing his grip over his supporters.
TLP protests
Date: November 2017, November 2020
Supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) run amid the smoke of tear gas during a protest in Lahore.Reuters
The far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organized large-scale protests in Lahore, particularly over blasphemy law disputes.
These demonstrations brought the city to a standstill and pressured the government into negotiations.
PDM rally
Date: December 13, 2020
Supporters of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of political opposition parties, react as they listen to their leaders during an anti-government rally.Reuters
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an opposition alliance, held a large rally in Lahore as part of its campaign against then prime minister Imran Khan.
The protest movement accused Imran Khan’s government of electoral rigging and mismanagement.
PTI 'Haqeeqi Azadi' long march
Date: October 2022
PTI Chairman Imran Khan waves at long march participants in Lahore.PTI Twitter
Following his ouster via a no-confidence motion, Imran Khan led the "Haqeeqi Azadi" (true freedom) march from Lahore.
The protest called for early elections and challenged the new coalition government.
Imran Khan assassination attempt protests
Date: November 2022
A supporter of Imran Khan's attends a protest after the assassination attempt.Reuters
After surviving an assassination attempt, Imran Khan's supporters staged mass protests, with Lahore as one of the key locations.
PTI accused the government of involvement, intensifying political tensions.
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