The administration of Lahore denied Pakistan Tehreek-E-insaf (PTI) to organize a rally on February 8, citing security problems. The decision was made after examining the recommendations of the district intelligence committee.
The official notification published Thursday said that because of security reasons, PTI could not obtain authorization from the rally.
The notification also noted that several major events would take place in Lahore on February 8, including a cricket match, a cattle show and a lecturer conference.
In addition, the administration qualified PTI’s past actions as an important factor in the decision, in particular the events of May 9, which aroused concerns about the security of public gatherings.
Earlier in the day, the High Court of Lahore had ordered the deputy commissioner of Lahore to make a decision at the request of PTI for the authorization to hold the gathering in Minar-E-Pakistan at 5 p.m.
PTI had approached the court on February 3 to request the approval of the rally, declaring that it was important to protest against the alleged violation of their mandate.
On January 29, the chief organizer of Punjab of PTI, Aaliya Hamza, had announced that the party would organize a rally in Minar-E-Pakistan on February 8 to protest against what they called an assault against PTI’s mandate .
The party submitted a request to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, requesting the official approval of the event from Iqbal Park.
Addressing the media outside the DC office, the PTI chief, Aliya Hamza, reiterated the party’s request, declaring: “We asked for permission to observe” youm-e-siyah [Black Day]’On February 8, the day the public mandate was stolen [one year ago]. “”
Hamza stressed that PTI would not accept any restriction this time, saying that the rally would occur whatever the position of the administration.
