Ahead of a planned rally by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on 21st September, Lahore authorities have sealed all entrances to Minar-e-Pakistan and deployed a significant police force to ensure security and enforce entry restrictions.
This preemptive measure follows as the PTI rally awaits formal approval from local authorities. In response, PTI has sought judicial intervention and is filing a petition in the Lahore High Court to obtain permission for the event.
Despite PTI’s announcement to hold the rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, official permission remains pending. Deputy Commissioner of Lahore Syed Musa Raza is currently reviewing an intelligence report to decide whether the rally can proceed.
The ongoing situation reflects a mix of legal and administrative discussions between the authorities and PTI concerning the rally’s fate.
Additionally, the Lahore High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner to make a decision regarding the rally by 5:00 p.m. today. The court has also dismissed a separate petition to prevent the rally, ruling it inadmissible as the petitioner did not qualify as an affected party.
PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, commented on the matter, stating that preventing the rally would transform it into a protest. He emphasized, “For a year and a half, rallies have not been allowed in Lahore. Destroying democracy means ending freedom, and holding a rally is our constitutional right.” Khan also claimed that the rally is crucial for protecting democracy and freedom, noting its endorsement by the Supreme Court, yet it faces obstruction.
