LAHORE: The district administration of Lahore has agreed to permit Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally in Lahore. However, strict conditions will be in place, according to news.
The district administration emphasized that PTI must follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety and order during the rally. A spokesperson confirmed that discussions are currently ongoing to finalize the venue for the event.
Venue Still Under Discussion
Sources revealed that the Kahna Maweshi Mandi (Cattle Market) is being considered as a possible location. Initially, PTI had requested the Minar-e-Pakistan ground. However, after reviewing a report from the District Intelligence Committee, authorities have proposed other locations, including Shahpur Kanjran and Saggian Bridge, as alternatives.
Dispute Over Rally’s End Time
A deadlock has arisen between PTI and the district administration over the proposed timing for the rally. The administration suggested that the rally should conclude by 7 PM, but PTI requested an extension until 11 PM. The opposition leader of the Punjab Assembly is consulting his legal team outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office to resolve the matter.
Preparations for the Rally
In anticipation of the event, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi has been seen boosting morale among PTI workers. A viral video circulating on social media shows Afridi performing push-ups with party workers at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. The video was filmed after Afridi’s meeting with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, symbolizing the party’s enthusiasm ahead of the rally.
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As tensions rise, Punjab Police have arrested over 100 PTI workers in preventive detention. The arrests were made under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act. Those detained include prominent figures such as Aslam Iqbal, Mian Hasan (the son of Mehmood ur Rasheed), Mehr Wajid, Waqas Amjad, and Nadeem Bara, among others. Authorities claim that these individuals were involved in activities that could disrupt public order.
PTI Moves to Court
In response to the arrests, PTI has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court. The petition aims to prevent further arrests and safeguard the party’s right to hold peaceful rallies. PTI leaders argue that their constitutional right to assemble peacefully is being violated.
Rally Set for September 21
The PTI rally is scheduled for September 21 at Minar-e-Pakistan. Party founder Imran Khan has called on supporters to participate and assert their democratic rights. Khan has framed the rally as a significant step in pushing for the preservation of democratic norms in Pakistan.
With conditions imposed by the district administration and ongoing legal battles, the PTI rally is expected to draw widespread attention. The outcome of these negotiations and the response of party supporters will likely set the tone for future political events in Lahore.
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