LAHORE, March 10 (Alliance News): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking permission to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.
The petition, filed by PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari, names Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), DIG, Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC), and others as respondents.
It alleges that the Lahore DC has yet to decide on the party’s application for the rally, despite its constitutional right to freedom of association and speech under Article 4.
The petition further states that the PTI wants to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, and demands that authorities be directed not to harass the petitioner or his family while granting permission for the event from 8 PM to 12 AM.
The plea comes as Punjab remains on high alert following a rise in terrorist incidents, which was previously cited by the Lahore administration when it denied PTI permission for a similar gathering last month.
PTI has been holding public rallies across the country, including one in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 8 to mark the one-year anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which it claims were rigged. However, the Swabi rally saw a low turnout due to internal divisions and financial constraints.
Sources revealed that PTI lawmakers lacked funds to arrange transportation for workers, and while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was requested to provide financial support, no additional funds were allocated for the event.
With talks between PTI and the government failing, the party has hinted at launching an agitation movement and is actively reaching out to other political forces for a joint anti-government campaign after Eid ul Fitr.
Last month, PTI also participated in a two-day grand opposition alliance conference in Islamabad, attended by various political leaders, journalists, and civil society members.
