The Lahore High Court has directed the deputy commissioner (DC) to decide on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request for a rally in the city by 5pm today, while dismissing a petition to halt the rally anywhere in Punjab as inadmissible.
It ordered the deputy commissioner to decide on the application by 5pm under the law.
During the court proceedings, a three-member bench led by Justice Farooq Haider addressed the petitions filed by PTI seeking permission to hold a public meeting. Justice Haider emphasized that, according to the law, the deputy commissioner must reach a decision on the application by the specified time.
Justice Tariq Nadeem expressed frustration over the ongoing issues, stating, "Where has the world reached! We are still stuck in these issues. There is no freedom of speech or permission to hold public gatherings."
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The court questioned the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) about the treatment of PTI workers, with Justice Haider asking, "Are you harassing the workers?" The IGP denied any illegal harassment, stating that no such instructions had been issued.
Following the court's directives, the Lahore High Court concluded the hearing and disposed of the petition.
Police report
Meanwhile, the DC has sought a detailed report from the police regarding the PTI rally, which is to be reviewed by the District Intelligence Committee before a final decision is made. Sources say the Islamabad rally must also be taken into consideration in the report.
PTI prepares for rally
Simultaneously, the PTI Lahore has intensified its preparations for the rally, with the leadership issuing directives to all party leaders, ticket holders, and activists. Sources within PTI revealed that meetings and door-to-door campaigns are underway across various constituencies, and more instructions will be issued based on the deputy commissioner’s decision in the evening.
The campaign regarding the rally has gained momentum in every district of the city. The PTI leadership will issue a directive regarding the rally in the evening. According to sources, a new strategy will be announced to the workers and people based on the decision of the DC.
Detention list prepared
In a related development, the Lahore police have compiled a list of 42 PTI leaders and workers, including prominent figures like Mian Aslam Iqbal, Mian Hasan, and Maher Wajid, for potential detention. The list also includes women activists.
The police have accused these individuals of inciting chaos and encouraging damage to private and public property, which could lead to law and order issues. A letter has been sent to the deputy commissioner requesting 90-day detention orders for those on the list.
In the wake of the PTI's call for a rally in Lahore, containers have been parked inside Greater Iqbal Park and on Ravi Road near Minar-e-Pakistan. Moroever, the police also conducted raids on activists' homes late at night in view of fears of a breach of peace.
The police says that if the rally is not allowed, the roads will be blocked by placing containers. On Thursday night, the police raided the residence of Ali Imtiaz Warraich, who was not present at home. Police also claimed to have detained more than 70 activists so far, continuing action on data-based lists of activists feared to create a law and order situation.
