On Friday, the Lahore High Court was informed that the deputy commissioner had denied Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) permission to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on August 14.
Assistant Advocate General Sattar Sahil reported on behalf of the deputy commissioner, citing security concerns as the reason for the denial. He also noted that permissions were similarly denied to the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party and the Pakistan People’s Party.
The law officer requested that the court dismiss the petition filed by PTI’s Lahore chapter Vice President, Akmal Khan Bari. PTI’s counsel, Sardar Latif Khosa, pointed out that PTI had also been denied permission for a rally in Islamabad on the same grounds.
Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir dismissed the petition but observed that the petitioner could challenge the deputy commissioner’s decision separately in court. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the denial of permission for the Islamabad rally came at the last moment and emphasized that the rally at Minar-i-Pakistan would be peaceful and lawful. He asserted that holding rallies is a fundamental right of political parties, which PTI was being unjustly deprived of.
Adjournment: Chief Justice Aalia Neelum adjourned the hearing of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s petition regarding her viral edited pictures and videos on social media. The minister has requested action against PTI activist Falak Javed Khan for distributing edited images. The FIA has yet to act on the request.
Bhachar Moves SJC: Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Ahmad Khan Bhachar, filed a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. Speaking outside the Lahore registry of the Supreme Court, Bhachar alleged bias in the Election Commission and claimed that the CEC and members failed to perform their duties impartially during the general elections. The reference, spanning 430 pages, includes evidence of electoral irregularities and calls for the removal of the CEC and other members.
Bhachar also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stating that recent monsoon rains had exposed her poor performance.
