PTI Moves LHC for Permission to Hold Minar-e-Pakistan Rally on March 22
- Petition asserts fundamental rights to association and free speech.
- Cites political victimization, seeking protection from harassment.
- Requests court approval for rally from 8 PM to 12 AM.
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking approval to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.
The plea, submitted by PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari, names Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), DIG, Lahore Deputy Commissioner, and others as respondents. It claims that the Lahore DC has yet to decide on the party’s request for the gathering.
Highlighting the significance of commemorating the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, the petition stresses the right to peaceful assembly under Article 4 of the Constitution. It argues that authorities are obligated to allow and facilitate such events.
The plea also alleges political victimization, urging the court to prevent any harassment of the petitioner and his family while granting permission for the rally from 8 PM to 12 AM.
This petition follows heightened security concerns in Punjab due to a recent surge in terrorist incidents.
Earlier, PTI had sought permission in February to hold a rally at the same venue but was denied by Lahore’s administration citing security risks. Instead, the party organized a public gathering in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 8 to mark the first anniversary of the 2023 general elections, which it claims were rigged.
The Swabi rally, however, saw lower-than-expected turnout, with insiders attributing the decline to internal divisions and financial constraints. Reports suggested that some PTI lawmakers and ministers lacked funds to provide transport for supporters.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had previously supported mobilization efforts but, according to sources, no additional funds were allocated for the Swabi event.
Since the breakdown of negotiations with the government, PTI has warned of a return to street protests. It has also reached out to other political parties to form an anti-government alliance, planning demonstrations after Eid ul Fitr.
Last month, PTI participated in a two-day opposition conference in Islamabad, attended by political leaders, journalists, and other stakeholders.
