LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has petitioned the Lahore High Court (LHC) for permission to host a power show at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on March 22, continuing its insistence on holding public rallies in the capital of Punjab.
PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari has filed a plea, naming the Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (ICP), DIG, Lahore Deputy Commissioner, and other respondents, claiming that the Lahore DC has not yet made a decision on the application to hold a power show at the specified location.
The PTI leader’s appeal highlights the fundamental rights of speech and association along with “dignity and inviolable right to reach the people and hold peaceful rallies,” citing the importance of remembering the Lahore Resolution, which was passed on March 23, 1940. The leader contends that the respondents were required by Article 4 of the Constitution to permit and facilitate such a gathering.
The petition, which laments political victimization, asks the court to order the respondents to refrain from harassing him or his family and to allow a meeting to be held at Minar-e-Pakistan on the specified day between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m.
The most recent appeal was made in the midst of Punjab being placed under high alert because of a recent increase in terrorist attacks in the region.
It is important to note that the Imran Khan-founded party has staged several public rallies in recent months. The most recent one was held on February 8 in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the general elections that were held last year, which the party claims were tainted by rigging in which their mandate was stolen.
Due to security concerns, the Lahore administration rejected the PTI’s request for permission to host a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in February.
The previous ruling party then proceeded to stage a rally in Swabi, but due to internal conflict and financial constraints, there was a minimal turnout.
Due to the inability to bring many workers, party sources estimate that between 5,000 and 6,000 people attended the event.
Some ministers and members of the provincial assembly reportedly lacked the funds required to transport employees to the event.
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PTI’s Financial Struggles in KP – The Express Tribune
A few lawmakers had asked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for financial assistance, but the sources claim that no more funds were allocated for the event this time.
According to sources, CM Gandapur previously gave money to PTI lawmakers so they could organize workers for party rallies.
Since its talks with the government fell down and produced no real results, the PTI has threatened to revert to agitation politics and has invited other political parties to participate in anti-government demonstrations during Eid ul Fitr.
Last month, the party participated in a two-day grand opposition alliance summit in Islamabad that was attended by journalists, leaders of other political parties, and others.
In conclusion
The Punjab government’s willingness to permit political gatherings in the context of increased security concerns is being tested by the PTI’s request to host a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. The Lahore High Court’s ruling will have a big impact on Pakistani politics as the PTI looks to rally support before upcoming elections.
To guarantee effective political mobilization, the party must also address its internal unity in the face of internal difficulties and budgetary limitations.
With internal challenges and financial constraints, the party must also address its internal unity to ensure successful political mobilization. Public response and legal proceedings will shape PTI’s next steps.
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