- Web Desk
- Feb 11, 2025
PTI moves court for Feb 8 protest, LHC seeks DC’s response
-
- Web Desk
- Feb 04, 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is planning a protest rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on February 8, for which they have written a letter to the Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza seeking permission. Reportedly, the party has not yet received any response.
PTI’s new provincial chief organiser had submitted an application to DC Raza on January 29, seeking permission. Now PTI has moved the LHC to obtain a response from the DC.
On Tuesday, the LHC sought a reply from Lahore DC. LHC Justice Farooq Haider has directed DC Raza to appear in court on Thursday (February 6) and submit a response on the PTI’s request petition.
INTERIOR MINISTER WARNS AGAINST PROTEST
Earlier this month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that the state will take action PTI proceeds with the protest, despite government requests to refrain from demonstrations.
Naqvi said, “We made a similar request on November 26 and will do the same for protest on February 8. If they do not comply, the state will step in,” he added.
PREVIOUS PROTESTS
PTI leaders and activists are still reeling with the cases filed for events of the November 26 and October 4 protests. Cases on incidents of violence and destruction that took place on May 9, 2023 are also currently being heard by the civil and military courts.
Both previous times that PTI announced a protest towards Islamabad, it resulted in the federal government bringing the country to a lockdown like halt. The internet network was suspended in Islamabad and surrounding areas, all major roads entering the capital were blocked with containers and the police and paramilitary forces were heavily deployed.
This time the protest is in Lahore, and there are also concerns about protests during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 matches. Interior Minister Naqvi said on this that the government prefers dialogue but is prepared to act if necessary.