PESHAWAR: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) on Sunday organised a public meeting near Northern Bypass after the authorities did not allow it to hold one in the Superior Science College ground.

The big rally was addressed by PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen, MNA Mohsin Dawar, Senator Usman Kakar and others.

Mr Dawar said that the PTM despite all hurdles had managed to hold the gathering. He deplored their comrades, including MNA Ali Wazir, were languishing in jail.

PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen said all those people who were demanding their rights were not treated well.

The public meeting was initially planned to take place at the Superior Science College ground near Wazir Bagh.

Police reportedly arrested eight PTM workers. Late on Saturday, the authorities allowed the PTM to hold the gathering near Northern Bypass.

Meanwhile, the provincial capital witnessed an unannounced cellular services blackout till 7pm on Sunday.

A senior police official told Dawn that city police had not made any request for the suspension of cellular services in the city.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2021