Selective ban? ANP rally permitted

PML-N granted large gathering, PTI faces restrictions

SHANGLA:

Despite the imposition of Section 144 in Shangla district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on November 20, the Awami National Party (ANP) has been granted permission to conduct a public rally.

In contrast, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) was allowed a large public gathering on November 21, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced restrictions on holding a corner meeting in Shahpur the same day.

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PTI proceeded with its meeting, resulting in the arrest of its district president, Liaqat Yousafzai, and others, charged with violating Section 144. The section, effective until December 19, prohibits gatherings of more than four people in a single place.

Local residents express concern over the selective enforcement of the ban, accusing authorities of allowing PML-N and ANP to openly flout the restrictions and organize rallies. Allegations of biased treatment, especially against PTI, have intensified, claiming that all parties, except PTI, are freely holding public events in the lead-up to the general elections.

Despite attempts to seek comments, Deputy Commissioner Shangla, Ziaur Rehman, remained unavailable.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2023.