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LHC Seeks DC Lahore's Reply on PTI Rally at Minar-i-Pakistan
LHC seeks DC Lahore's response on PTI's plea for rally approval at Minar-i-Pakistan on Feb 8. Malik urges public to protest against 'stolen mandate' in 2024 elections.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-04
LHC Seeks DC Lahore's Reply on PTI Rally at Minar-i-Pakistan

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza to appear in court on February 6 and submit a reply to a petition filed by PTI’s Punjab chief organiser Malik, seeking permission to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on February 8.

The PTI has announced plans to observe a “black day” protest at the iconic venue against what it claims was a “stolen mandate” in the 2024 general elections, which saw the dominance of independent candidates.

Court Hearing and Government Responses
During today’s hearing, Justice Farooq Haider also sought responses from the Punjab government, Lahore commissioner, additional DC, and state officials.

The petition filed by Malik, a former PTI MNA, emphasized the need for peaceful protest as a democratic right. The plea requested the court to grant rally permission and restrain law enforcement from harassing PTI workers or conducting arrests.

Malik expressed frustration over the lack of response from DC Lahore after filing the initial application on January 29, prompting the party to seek legal recourse.

Call for Public Support
Addressing the media, Malik described the protest as “Pakistan’s day, not just PTI’s.” She highlighted the “oppression” faced by PTI leaders and workers over the past two years, adding that ex-premier Imran Khan and his wife remained in jail while PTI leaders faced multiple court cases.

“Peaceful protest is our right, and the government won’t be able to stop it,” she asserted, warning that the party had a “plan B” in case of permission denial.

Protests in Swabi and Support for Convicted Workers
The PTI has also announced a parallel protest rally on February 8 in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party, which is in power in the province, plans to distribute Rs50 million in development funds among village councils and Rs200,000 each to PTI workers convicted by military courts for their involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots.

Petition Highlights Historical Political Persecution
The PTI petition recalled instances of political persecution in Pakistan's history, referencing the trial and execution of elected Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the allegations of terrorism against political activists.

“Whenever the PTI requests permission for a public gathering, security concerns are raised as a pretext to deny approval,” Malik stated, accusing authorities of harassment and threats to withdraw the rally request.

The petition named PTI leaders Malik Ahmad Bachhar, Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, and Ali Ijaz Buttar as managers of the power show.
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