The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced the postponement of its planned rally in the Tarnool area of Islamabad today.
PTI leader Barrister Gohar stated that they are delaying the public gathering, which will now take place after Ashura. He emphasized that party workers were eagerly anticipating the rally and asserted their commitment to abide by the law. Gohar criticized the cancellation of the NOC for the Tarnol rally, calling it contemptuous of court orders and unconstitutional.
He argued that whether it’s the commissioner or the deputy commissioner, an NOC issued after four months cannot be revoked. Gohar also expressed PTI’s readiness to support Imran Khan in any future hunger strikes, mentioning they had not yet received an invitation for the APC (All Parties Conference) and would assess its agenda upon receipt.
PTI Secretary General Omer Ayub announced plans for rallies in Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, adding that the party’s founder would initiate a protest movement.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan has filed a contempt of court petition against the Islamabad administration’s decision to suspend the NOC for today’s scheduled rally.
In the petition submitted to the Islamabad High Court, the movement’s coordinator noted that the deputy commissioner had informed the court on July 4 about issuing the NOC, but then issued a cancellation letter on Friday. The petitioner argued that defying the court’s order by suspending the NOC constitutes contempt of court, urging the court to take action against those responsible. The chief commissioner, deputy commissioner, and Islamabad police chief were named as respondents in the petition.
The Islamabad administration cited security concerns as the reason for denying permission for PTI’s rally on Saturday.
A significant police contingent arrived in Tarnol late at night, dismantled the stage, and confiscated other related items like containers and barbed wire, stating that public order and citizen safety were paramount considerations.
