The Punjab government has finally granted permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab province.
The spokesperson for the district administration has confirmed that the PTI will be allowed to hold a rally in Lahore, adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for a secure event.
On the other hand, Advocate Khaqan Mir, a member of PTI's legal team said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has obtained permission to hold a rally in Lahore’s Kahnna Cattle market.
He said that the administration has granted permission for the rally to take place from 2 pm to 8 pm. However, PTI has requested an extension to schedule the meeting from 11 am to 12 am (midnight).
Meanwhile, multiple containers have been placed around Minar-e-Pakistan, restricting citizen access. Greater Iqbal Park's gates are also closed.
Earlier in the day, a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shahid Abbas Kathia, was held at the Lahore headquarters.
The committee assessed a report submitted by the police and considered various options, including granting permission for the rally at an alternative location.
After deliberation, the administration decided to allow the rally at Kahnna cattle market, a venue deemed more suitable given the current circumstances.
Sources revealed that the decision followed a directive from the Lahore High Court, which ordered the Deputy Commissioner to resolve PTI’s request for the rally by 5 PM today.
Imran Khan warns of protest
This comes after former Prime Minister and PTI founder, Imran Khan, warned that if the rally were obstructed, a nationwide protest would be launched at Minar-e-Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan, speaking to media in Adiala Jail, reiterated PTI’s constitutional right to hold a rally, emphasizing the party’s intention to gather at Minar-e-Pakistan in support of the Supreme Court, democracy, and freedom if denied permission in Lahore.
He criticized the administration’s repeated refusal to allow PTI to hold public meetings in Lahore, highlighting what he views as an ongoing suppression of democratic rights.
Khan expressed his frustration over the ongoing restrictions placed on PTI’s public gatherings in Lahore, pointing out that the party has faced obstacles for over a year and a half. He criticized what he perceives as deliberate efforts to undermine democratic processes, stating, “Destroying democracy is synonymous with destroying freedom.”
He remarks underscore his resolve to protect the party’s rights and challenge what he calls an unjust crackdown on political expression.
The PTI founder also referenced the challenges PTI faced during a previous rally in Islamabad, where, despite receiving guarantees, barriers were erected using containers to disrupt the event. He accused the establishment of reneging on its promises, claiming that the Islamabad rally had been sabotaged by collusion to suppress PTI’s message.
The former Prime Minister lamented that such actions were reminiscent of the oppressive measures seen during the Musharraf martial law era, asserting that even then, political gatherings were not stifled to this extent. Khan warned that if Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner refuses to grant permission for the rally, PTI supporters will converge at Minar-e-Pakistan in protest.
Azma Bukhari dismisses PTI’s claims
Meanwhile, Punjab government spokesperson Azma Bukhari addressed the media, dismissing PTI’s claims of roadblocks and barriers being set up to disrupt the rally.
She asserted that the party's struggle to gather supporters from Punjab is a reflection of its own shortcomings, not any government interference.
Ms. Bukhari urged PTI to cease spreading rumors and propaganda, insisting that no one has been, nor will be, prevented from participating in the rally.
