On Thursday, Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lahore, addressed on Thursday to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to make a decision of the 5 PM with respect to the request of Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) to hold a Manifestation in mine-e-pakistan on February 8.
Judge Farooq Haider, who presided over the hearing, criticized the authorities for postponing a decision, noting that PTI had submitted his application on January 29.
The court expressed concern about the viability of rally preparations if permission was granted at the last minute.
During the process, the main secretary of Punjab appeared before the court and assured compliance with his orders.
The DC lahore presented a report that explains the delay, citing logistics challenges, including a Tri-Nation series game. He said the discussions were still underway regarding the approval of the rally.
The court pressed the officials about why a decision had not been reached before.
“If a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow and the application is denied, what options will PTI have? If approval is granted, how can preparations be completed in just one day? Judge Haider commented.
PTI leaders argue that delaying or denying public meetings restrict their right to political expression.
Naqvi warns PTI not to have Jalsa on February 8
Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) of strict action if he continues with his planned protest on February 8 that coincides with the Champions Trophy party scheduled in Lahore.
The PTI had decided to observe the black day on February 8 to protest against its ‘stolen mandate’ in last year’s general elections and announced a plan to hold public meetings in the mining-e-pakistan field.
“The Government will ask the PTI to reconsider its planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the State will take the necessary measures,” said Interior Minister during his visit to the Mega Passport Center in Peco Road in Lahore.
