LAHORE: The city administration has turned down the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to hold a protest rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore on February 8, citing security concerns and other engagements.
On January 29, PTI Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza submitted an application to Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza seeking permission for holding the rally.
She announced that the rally would be a protest against “the attack on the party’s mandate” during the polling across the country on February 8, 2024. She had further said that legal avenues would be pursued if permission was denied, warning that the party would not tolerate restrictions and would observe a day of protest if necessary.
However, the city administration, through a notification on Thursday, rejected the PTI’s request on recommendations from the District Intelligence Committee. The administration also highlighted multiple events scheduled in the city, including cricket match, cattle show, and speakers’ conference, as reasons for the denial.
The notification also pointed to PTI’s “unsuitable track record” and referenced the incidents of May 9, stating that security concerns remain a primary issue.
Earlier today, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the deputy commissioner to decide on PTI’s request by 5pm. The party had approached the LHC on February 3, seeking permission to hold the rally.
LHC Justice Farooq Haider had directed the DC on Tuesday to appear in court on Thursday (today) and submit a response on the PTI’s request petition.
On the other hand, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had warned earlier this month that the state will take action if PTI proceeded with the protest, despite government requests to refrain from demonstrations.
He said, “We made a similar request on November 26 and will do the same for protest on February 8. If they do not comply, the state will step in,” he added.