IHC allows PTI to hold rally in capital

ISLAMABAD:

In a firm rebuttal to swirling rumours, sources in Islamabad’s district administration Wednesday categorically denied granting permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for a rally within the federal capital.

The rebuttal came in the wake of widespread speculation on social media platforms regarding the PTI securing permission from the local administration to hold a political rally in the capital.

Authoritative sources within the administration confirmed that no such authorisation was extended. “There is no truth in the news about PTI being allowed to hold the rally,” sources in the district administration told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity.

They added that the negotiations would be held with the PTI leadership in light of the orders issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). “A decision will be taken regarding whether to grant permission or not in the light of the mutual discussion,” they said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the IHC directed the district administration to allow the PTI to hold a rally in the federal capital.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the party’s plea against not getting permission from the district administration to hold a gathering in Islamabad.

IHC CJ Aamer Farooq remarked: “One’s right of assembly cannot be taken away, whatever conditions the administration wants to impose should be imposed; life does not stop even with terrorist incidents, it goes on, we have to end terrorism in the same way.”

The state counsel adopted the stance that the rally was not allowed due to serious security concerns. “The permission given to them had been violated before,” the counsel said.

The chief justice remarked: “There is no problem in applying the normal conditions, do not impose any unusual conditions, allow as per standard TORs.”

The public prosecutor maintained that a sad incident of terrorism also happened a day earlier, referring to the killing of Chinese engineers in Dasu. The chief justice remarked that life does not stop because of this, it goes on and we have to end terrorism in the same way. The public prosecutor asked the time to take instructions.

PTI’s counsel Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat said: “We now want to hold a rally on April 6 in Islamabad.”

The chief justice remarked that you should only take care that there is no commotion. “I am not asking for your consent, I have to take the decision. Everyone did the rallies; you have to decide the rules and regulations and conditions,” he added.

Earlier, the Islamabad deputy commissioner had denied PTI permission to hold a rally on March 30.

The capital’s DC rejected the application citing the law and order situation. He said the public gathering could be allowed in light of reports from law enforcement agencies about the recent activities of the outlawed group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

He also added that the PTI had previously violated the rules by giving an affidavit when the party had been allowed to hold meetings and rallies.

The IHC had directed the DC to decide on the matter and present a report in this regard.

The former ruling party’s regional president Amir Masood Mughal had sought permission for a public gathering either on March 23 or March 30, at Parade Ground, F-9 Park or D-Chowk at 10pm.

The secretary of interior, chief commissioner, inspector general of police, deputy commissioner, and SSP operations were addressed in the application.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.