PTI leader’s hujra sealed in Bajaur
The district administration in Bajaur has taken action by sealing the hujra belonging to former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial minister Anwer Zeb Khan. This move comes in response to Khan’s announcement of organizing a workers’ convention in the tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Anwar Zeb, speaking to The Express Tribune, claimed that the sealing of his hujra was an illegal act carried out by the police and district authorities.
He asserted that holding rallies or workers’ conventions is a constitutional right of all political parties and vowed to proceed with the convention on Saturday, with the participation of PTI leaders such as Sher Afzal Marwat.
Read PTI’s Marwat freed after 'brief arrest' amid uproar
In response, Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq clarified that the hujra was sealed due to the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the district administration before the announcement and planning of the workers’ convention.
He emphasized that while Anwar Zab’s residence had not been sealed, the convention was planned to take place in his hujra.
Explaining the situation, Haq noted that the current law and order conditions in the district were not conducive to large-scale political gatherings. He highlighted that without a proper NOC, no convention could be allowed, as the administration is responsible for ensuring the security of such events when issuing the NOC. Furthermore, he pointed out that Section 144 had already been imposed in Bajaur, prohibiting public rallies.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2023.