PTI decries delay in permission for Nov 12 rally

PTI announces Nov 12 event at Minimum Mall, Gulistan-e-Johar

KARACHI:

Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi leaders have expressed concerns over the inordinate delay by the Sindh government and the administration in granting the permission for a gathering to be held on November 12 and demanded a level-playing field in the political arena.

The PTI Karachi chapter had announced the November 12 event at the Minimum Mall, Gulistan-e-Johar, before the announcement of general elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan, they said at a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.

Read PTI to ‘fully participate’ in upcoming polls

PTI Secretary General Rehman Mahesar, and Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) Sindh General Secretary Barrister Fayaz Ahmed and ILF Sindh Joint Secretary Advocate Nasir Yousuf explained that while all political parties have started campaigns for February 8 general election, PTI faced impediments in political activities.

They said that the party's official had written letters to the offices of the chief minister, commissioner, deputy commissioner of East district, Rangers director general, and Karachi city police chief.

"Despite our earnest efforts to obtain the necessary approvals, we have not received any response from the authorities concerned," Advocate Nasir Yousuf said. Recognizing the importance of democratic rights, the party sought the intervention of the Election Commission Sindh and the Sindh High Court, said Barrister Fayyaz Ahmed. The Election Commission Sindh, responding to PTI plea, directed the Sindh Chief Secretary Fakhre Alam in a letter dated November 4 to consider PTI's request in accordance with the law and regulations. Regrettably, no action has been taken thus far, the ILF leader said.

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"Additionally, we filed a Constitutional petition with the Sindh High Court, and on November 2, the honourable Judge issued notices to Commissioner Karachi and DC East, along with the Election Commission Sindh. Unfortunately, these notices have yet to yield any results" he said. Rehman Mahesar said that the caretaker chief minister should take notice of how PTI workers were being harassed ahead of the elections. "Make it clear if you do not want PTI to take part in the elections," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2023.