LAHORE: In the wake of denial of permission to hold a mass political meeting at the Minar-i-Pakistan ground on Feb 8, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Punjab, has decided that its workers from north Punjab’s 10 districts will participate in the Swabi public meeting.

PTI Punjab chief organizer Aliya Hamza says the fascist regime was afraid of former premier Imran Khan and PTI.

Announcing the Feb 8 protest strategy, Ms Hamza said the Punjab’s central, western and south regions would hold protests at provincial and NA constituency level. “The fascist regime has turned the whole province into a protest meeting venue, while denying a peaceful protest at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground,” she said.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the deputy commissioner to decide within a day an application of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) seeking permission to hold a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on Feb 8.

Party workers from north Punjab to join Swabi rally

Justice Farooq Haider passed the order on a petition filed by PTI Punjab chief organizer Aliya Hamza Malik.

During the proceedings, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Lahore Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza appeared before the court.

The judge observed if the authorities reject the request on Friday, the petitioner would have no legal recourse to challenge the decision.

The judge noted if permission was granted to the petitioner, preparations must also be made accordingly.

“Why a decision couldn’t be made today?” Justice Haider asked the chief secretary, who responded that the government would comply with whatever order the court issues.

The judge acknowledged this response and stated that this was the expectation from the chief secretary.

The judge disposed of the petition and directed the deputy commissioner to decide the petitioner’s application by 5pm on Thursday.

Ms Malik through a counsel contended that a formal request for the rally was submitted to the deputy commissioner on Jan 29, but no response had been received.

She alleged whenever the PTI requested permission for a public gathering, security concerns were raised as a pretext to deny an approval.

The petitioner also alleged that she was being harassed and threatened to withdraw the request.

She asked the court to direct the authorities to grant permission for the Feb 8 rally and to restrain law enforcement agencies from harassing or abducting PTI workers.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2025