IHC orders swift decision on PTI rally permit

PTI approached the court after alleging that the district administration was unresponsive to their request

Our Correspondent March 21, 2024

PTI supporters as they gather during a protest, outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, February 17, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the district administration to make a decision within two days regarding granting permission to the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) to hold a meeting in Islamabad.

PTI approached the court after alleging that the district administration was unresponsive to their request, therefore, the court should issue directions in this regard.

IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard the petition of PTI Islamabad President Aamir Masood Mughal. Advocate Sher Afaz Marwat appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner.

The secretary of interior, chief commissioner, inspector general of police, deputy commissioner, and SSP operations have been made parties in the petition. PTI aims to hold a peaceful rally in Islamabad on March 23rd at 10pm. Formal written requests were made to the Islamabad deputy commissioner on March 15 and 18 for securing an NOC, but no response has been received so far.

After the general elections, PTI held three peaceful protests in Islamabad. The party requested in the petition that either on March 23 or March 30, a rally at Parade Ground, F9 Park or D Chowk should be allowed.

The court has ordered the district administration to take a decision on the application within two days and submit a report to the Islamabad High Court.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2024.