The High Court of Lahore (LHC) asked for the answer to the deputy commissioner (DC) of Lahore after the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) filed a petition requesting the authorization to hold a rally public in Minar-E-Pakistan in February in February 8
The PTI has planned the rally to observe a “dark day” to protest against what it calls the “stolen mandate” of the general elections from last year.
PTI claims that the independent candidates, presented by the party, had a significant influence on the results.
Malik, the newly named PTI chief organizer for Punjab, submitted a request to Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza on January 29.
After receiving any response, she approached the LHC for approval of the rally.
President of the hearing, judge Farooq Haider ordered the DC of Lahore to appear before the court on February 6 and provide an answer.
The court also asked for answers to other respondents, including the Punjab government and senior district officials.
Addressing the media, Malik described the event not only the day of the PTI, but “Pakistan day”, urging the public to join the protest against what it described as a continuous oppression of the members of PTI in the past two years.
Malik accused the government of trying to prevent peaceful demonstrations.
The PTI plans to organize additional gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party holds power. PTI should also distribute 50 million rupees in development funds to village councils and provide financial support to workers recently sentenced by military courts for their involvement in the riots of May 9, 2023.
In his petition, Malik urged the LHC to prevent the application of the law from “harassing” PTI workers and to hinder their right to meet.
She described the repeated security problems raised by the authorities as a pretext to block their gatherings.
Last week, the Minister of the Interior, Mohin Naqvi, warned the PTI of a strict action if it continues with its demonstration scheduled for February 8 which coincides with the match of the Champions Trophy planned in Lahore.
The PTI had decided to observe the Black Day on February 8 to protest against its “ stolen mandate ” in the general elections of last year and announced a plan to hold public gatherings in the field of Minar-E- Pakistan.
“The government will ask the PTI to reconsider its demonstration scheduled for February 8, but if the party refuses, the State will take the necessary measures,” said the Minister of the Interior during his visit to the Mega Passport Center on Peco Road in Lahore.
He accused the party of harming the international image of Pakistan by organizing demonstrations whenever foreign dignitaries visit the country. “Their policy promotes chaos rather than constructive development.”
