Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought answers from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Lahore after the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) Party filed a petition requesting permission to hold a public rally in Minar-E-Pakistan In February 8.
PTI has planned the rally to observe a “black day” in protest of what it calls “stolen mandate” at last year’s parliamentary elections.
PTI claims that independent candidates who became the field of the party had a significant influence on the results.
Malik, PTI’s newly appointed Chef forganizer for Punjab, submitted a request to Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza on January 29.
After not receiving any answer, she approached LHC for the approval of the rally.
President over the consultation, Justice Farooq Haider Lahore DC directed to appear before the Court on February 6 and give an answer.
The court also asked for answers from other respondents, including the Punjab government and the senior officials.
In a speech with the media, Malik called the event not only PTI’s Day, but “Pakistan’s Day,” who called on the public to participate in the protest against what she described as continued oppression of PTI members for the past two years.
Malik accused the government of trying to prevent peaceful protests.
PTI plans to hold additional rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party has power. PTI is also ready to distribute RS50 million in development funds to the Village Council and offer financial support to workers recently convicted by military courts for their commitment to May 9, 2023, Riots.
In his petition, Malik urged LHC to limit law enforcement from “harassing” PTI workers and preventing their right to gather.
She described the repeated security concerns that authorities raised as a pretext to block their gatherings.
Last week, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi PTI warned of strict action if it continues with its scheduled February 8th protest, which coincides with the Champions Trophy match planned in Lahore.
PTI had decided to observe Black Day on February 8 to protest his ‘stolen mandate’ at last year’s parliamentary elections and announced a plan to hold public gatherings in Minar-E-Pakistan grounds.
“The government will request PTI to reconsider its planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the state will take the necessary action,” the Minister of the Interior said during his visit to the Mega Passport Center on Peco Road in Lahore.
He accused the party of damaging Pakistan’s international image by organizing demonstrations every time foreign dignitaries visit the country. “Their policy promotes chaos rather than constructive development.”
