LHC dismisses plea to stop PTI’s rally

LAHORE: On Thursday, the three-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) resumed its hearing on petitions regarding permission for a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Lahore, leading to a heated exchange between the bench and government officials.

Justice Tariq Nadeem, while addressing the Chief Secretary, questioned the handling of public assemblies, saying that our survival is dependent on the stability of the country.

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Speaking to the civil servants, Justice Nadeem pointed out that those currently in power had been in the opposition previously but the government officials were in service then and are in service today.

He also expressed frustration over the repetitive nature of these cases, saying, “Every 15 to 20 days, such a writ is filed.”

Justice Nadeem suggested allocating designated spaces for rallies in each district, highlighting the congestion in Lahore. “Now see, the entire system has been choked,” he remarked, recommending two or three locations be set aside for public gatherings in the city. He lamented the disruption caused by such events, noting, “The situation here is that funeral processions have to be stopped because of such rallies.”

Turning to the Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab, Justice Farooq Haider urged him not to harass citizens, saying, “Mr IG, we do not expect you to commit illegal acts [such as] harassing people.” While IG Punjab denied any unlawful actions, senior lawyer Latif Khosa countered, accusing the police of intimidation, “The police have been standing outside my house for a week.”

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The court also rejected the application to stop Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) rally in Lahore. Addressing the petitioner and advocate Nadeem Sarwar, Justice Haider said, “You are not the affected party”.

Ultimately, the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore to decide on PTI’s request for permission to hold the rally by 5 PM, with Justice Haider stating that the decision must be made in accordance with the law.