LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has petitioned the Lahore High Court (LHC) to get permission for a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.
The plea, filed by PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari, names the Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Lahore Deputy Commissioner, and others as respondents. It argues that despite submitting an application to hold the rally, the Lahore Deputy Commissioner has yet to make a decision.
Highlighting the historical significance of March 23—the anniversary of the Lahore Resolution of 1940—the petition asserts PTI’s fundamental rights to association, free speech, and peaceful assembly. It contends that the respondents are legally obligated under Article 4 of the Constitution to permit and facilitate such gatherings.
Accusing authorities of political victimization, the petition urges the court to restrain officials from harassing the petitioner and his family and to grant PTI permission to hold the rally from 8 PM to midnight at the proposed venue.
The petition comes amid a heightened security alert in Punjab following an increase in terror incidents across the country.
PTI had earlier sought permission for a Minar-e-Pakistan rally in February, but the Lahore administration denied the request citing security concerns. Instead, the party held a gathering in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 8 to mark the one-year anniversary of the 2023 general elections—an event PTI claims was marred by rigging and stolen mandates.
The Swabi rally, however, saw a low turnout, with only 5,000 to 6,000 attendees, according to party insiders. The shortage of funds and internal divisions were cited as key reasons for the diminished participation, as many party workers could not be mobilized.
