Lahore DC (Deputy Commissioner) refused to allow the PTI the right to conduct a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on February 8.
The decision arose out of concerns about security arising from a number of high-profile incidents in the city.
PTI had made arrangements for a “black day” demonstration on Saturday in protest against what it terms an “unlawful mandate” in the elections of the previous year.
Independent candidates financed by PTI had won those elections and it had caused the disputes on the election results.
PTI’s Punjab chief organiser, Aliya Hamza Malik, has filed an application with Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza on January 29, as reported. He applied to the Lahore High Court (LHC) after not receiving any response to seek authorization for the rally.
Post the LHC order, the Lahore DC’s office has issued a notification in reply to the PTI’s request.
The DC stated that the district intelligence committee had advised rejecting the application to maintain law and order.
Security issues and several large scale national and international events in February led to the decision.
According to the notification, the Punjab government has already deployed both Pakistan Army Rangers for security purposes.
Authorities were focused on ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries, players, and attendees of these significant events.
It also highlighted concerns about Greater Iqbal Park, describing it as a historically significant site.
Lahore DC remarks on PTI rally
According to the Lahore DC, political rallies may destroy the park’s infrastructures and foliage.
Moreover, the DC explained the denial as having been made due to PTI’s earlier conduct at political rallies.
He stated that the PTI leaders had also resorted to denigrating language towards the government, judiciary and journalists.
The notification also talked about a People’s Party Imran Khan (PTI) rally at Lahore’s Ring Road, Kahna in September where the alleged violations were reported.
Authorities had registered multiple cases following those breaches. The DC further explained that no political party had been given permission for a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan as well, for the same reason.
This decision applied to all parties, not just PTI. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commented on PTI’s planned protest. It coincided with the tri-nation ODI series from February 8-14.
He proposed that PTI should review this, as it had already set up to conduct protests in sensitive periods in November.
Naqvi left a suggestion implicit as to the possible outcome if PTI went forward. It simply dropped the point with a smile to the press. His remarks were interpreted as a warning.
Following Naqvi’s statement, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar strongly criticized him. Akbar accused Naqvi of threatening a crackdown on PTI leaders and workers.
