Lahore: Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza has rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, citing serious security concerns in the country.
According to reports, PTI had submitted the request on March 22 through its Punjab Vice President, Akmal Khan Bari.
In an order issued on Friday, DC Musa Raza stated that the decision was made based on the recommendations of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC), which concluded that granting PTI permission for the rally on March 22 would not be feasible due to security risks.
The DIC highlighted that March 22 (21st Ramadan) marks the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA), and security forces would be deployed for special events and maintaining law and order. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are already facing serious threats, with reports indicating that 76 suicide bombers trained by "Fitna Khawarij" have been prepared for large-scale terrorist activities in Pakistan.
The committee also referenced recent security incidents, including the bomb blast near Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan.
The DC's order further noted that the National Assembly had passed a resolution to curb the activities of "Fitna Khawarij," and all law enforcement agencies were actively engaged in this operation.
In response, Akmal Khan Bari released a video message stating that if the government cannot ensure the safety of its people, it should step down.
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court disposed of PTI’s petition seeking permission for the Minar-e-Pakistan rally in light of the DC’s decision.
Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition filed by PTI leader Akmal Khan Bari, who challenged the authorities’ failure to decide on the request in a timely manner.
Additional Advocate General Baligh-uz-Zaman, representing the district administration, submitted a response, stating that the DC has the authority to approve or deny public gatherings. He further explained that the DC had already rejected PTI’s request after a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee.
The judge noted that the relevant authorities had formally rejected the petitioner's request for a rally.
The court directed the law officer to provide the petitioner’s counsel with copies of the official response and the DC’s decision.
Justice Haider remarked that the petitioner had the right to challenge the authorities’ decision through legal means.
