LAHORE: The Punjab chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a fresh request to hold a large-scale public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan, aiming to secure approval once the Champions Trophy cricket tournament concludes. PTI leaders believe that with the event ending, the government will have no valid reason to deny permission.
PTI Punjab Senior Vice-President Akmal Khan Bari has formally applied for the rally, following previous denials. Earlier, a similar request by PTI Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza was turned down, with authorities citing security concerns due to ongoing international events, including the Tri-Nation Cricket Series, the Champions Trophy, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Regional Conference.
Commenting on the matter, Ms Hamza stated that if the government grants permission before the conclusion of the tournament, PTI is prepared to organize its political gathering at any designated time.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders across various districts have also submitted applications for smaller political events. In Mandi Bahauddin, District President Tariq Mahmood Sahi has sought approval to hold a gathering at his residence in Dhok Kasib on February 26. Similarly, a request has been made to the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi for a political event on February 23.
Despite hurdles in securing approvals for large rallies, PTI Punjab has intensified its political activities by opening offices across Central and South Punjab. According to Ms Hamza, PTI ticket-holders in North Punjab have been directed to set up small political meeting spaces in their constituencies, while mobilisation efforts have been launched in Central Punjab.
Additionally, PTI had intended to introduce a resolution in the Punjab Assembly to protest restricted access to party founder Imran Khan. However, Ms Hamza alleged that the speaker prematurely ended the session to prevent discussions on the matter.
“We had prepared a series of speeches and political activities around this resolution, but the session was adjourned indefinitely,” she remarked.
