LAHORE:The Lahore district administration officially informed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday night that it would not be allowed to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on February 8. This decision followed legal proceedings initiated in the Lahore High Court (LHC).
PTI had initially announced plans for a public gathering on February 8, marking the first anniversary of the previous general elections, which the party claims were rigged. Seeking official approval, PTI leader Alia Hamza had submitted a request to the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC).
However, after facing delays in obtaining a response, Alia approached the LHC. A bench led by Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition and instructed the authorities to decide on the matter by 5 PM on Thursday.
Despite PTIβs legal representatives waiting at the DC office until late at night, the decision was ultimately conveyed through an official circular from the District Intelligence Committee.
Security & Logistical Concerns Cited
The circular stated that due to several high-profile national and international events scheduled in February, granting permission for the PTI rally was not feasible. Among these events are the Triangular ODI Series, 1st Joint CPA Asia and South East Asia Regional Conference 2025, Faiz Festival, Horse and Cattle Show 2025, ICC Menβs Champions Trophy, Lahore Literary Festival, and the Raiwind Tablighi Ijtima.
These events require extensive security measures, with law enforcement agencies already heavily engaged. The Punjab government has even sought assistance from the Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure smooth conduct of these activities amid recent security threats.
Additionally, the circular highlighted concerns regarding potential damage to Greater Iqbal Park, where Minar-e-Pakistan is located. The document referenced past PTI rallies, claiming that previous events resulted in violations of agreed-upon conditions and the participation of individuals with pending legal cases.
PTI Plans Parliamentarian Convention
Despite being denied permission for the rally, PTI has announced plans to hold a parliamentarian convention in Lahore next week to engage its lawmakers.
According to party sources, PTI members from the Punjab Assembly, along with parliamentary leaders and chief whips from Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will participate. Opposition leaders from both the Senate and National Assembly will also attend.
The convention is expected to focus on key issues, including the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, access to justice, and human rights.
