The Lahore deputy commissioner granted conditional permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its much-anticipated rally in the provincial capital on September 21, 2024. However, the permission comes with a caveat—the party must strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Lahore High Court (LHC). A spokesperson for the local administration confirmed this on Friday.
Rally Venue Still Under Discussion
Although the PTI initially requested to host its rally at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan, the district administration has yet to make a final decision on the venue. According to sources, ongoing discussions are being held, and the party is more likely to be allowed to hold its gathering at Cattle Market Kahna instead.
Additionally, district officials are working on a comprehensive security plan to ensure safety during the rally. Given the potential crowd size, security measures are a top priority for local authorities.
Lahore High Court Involvement
The Lahore High Court has played a crucial role in this process. On Friday, the court directed the deputy commissioner to make a decision regarding PTI’s petitions for permission to hold the rally by 5 PM the same day. The petitions had been submitted by key PTI leaders, including former MNA Aalia Hamza Malik, MPA Imtiaz Mahmood Sheikh, and Lahore Vice President Akmal Khan Bari.
A three-member bench led by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum had reviewed the petitions a day earlier. In the hearing, senior officials from the Punjab government, including the chief secretary, police chief, and advocate general, were summoned to provide clarity on the matter.
PTI’s Mass Contact Campaign and Ongoing Challenges
PTI, founded by Imran Khan, has been attempting to organize rallies across Pakistan for months. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from local authorities, primarily due to security concerns and the imposition of Section 144, which bans large political gatherings.
The party has already launched a mass contact campaign to garner public support ahead of the planned Lahore power show. Despite the challenges, PTI leaders remain committed to holding the rally and pushing forward with their agenda.
The Role of Intelligence and Security Assessments
Before granting permission for the rally, the Lahore deputy commissioner Syed Musa Raza requested an intelligence report from the District Intelligence Bureau. This report, along with recommendations from the Lahore police, will play a pivotal role in determining whether the Minar-e-Pakistan venue will be approved or if PTI will have to settle for an alternative location, such as Cattle Market Kahna.
The final decision is expected to be influenced by the local police’s security input, considering the high-profile nature of the event and the party’s recent struggles in obtaining rally permissions.
Looking Ahead
As PTI prepares for its September 21 rally, all eyes are on the Lahore district administration to finalize key details, including the venue and security measures. This gathering is poised to be a major political event, as PTI continues its nationwide efforts to strengthen its political momentum.
Whether held at Minar-e-Pakistan or elsewhere, the rally is expected to draw large crowds and spark further political discourse in Pakistan’s ever-evolving political landscape.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
