DC says cannot allow PTI rally
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter waves the party flag at a rally. PHOTO: FILE
The deputy commissioner of East district has submitted an affidavit regarding the rally of Tehreek-e-Insaf in Karachi stating that the meeting cannot be allowed unless the law and order improves.
The court adjourned the hearing on the plea regarding not allowing PTI to hold the rally due to lack of time. The PTI lawyers said that an application for urgent hearing will be filed on Thursday (today).
DC East said in the affidavit that he cannot even think of violating the court orders. The plea regarding the contempt of court is baseless.
According to the court orders, a meeting was held with the representatives of Tehreek-e-Insaf and they were asked to propose three alternative venues. The PTI representatives suggested Nishtar Park, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, and the VIP gate of Mazar-e-Quaid.
The district intelligence committee reviewed PTI's proposals in a meeting. Law enforcement agencies shared information regarding the overall security situation and potential terror threats. National-level leaders are expected to participate in the PTI rally. There is a concern that terrorists may exploit the event to achieve their nefarious goals. Based on the decision of the District Intelligence Committee and the police report, permission for the rally cannot be granted. The applicant was duly informed about the denial of permission for the rally.
Under Section 120 of the Sindh Police Act, permission can only be granted after the report from the deputy commissioner and SSP. Until the restoration of peace, permission for the rally cannot be granted.
Speaking at the High Court, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh said that a report has been given about a threat of terrorism at the PTI Karachi rally. “We say that minus the state terrorism, no terror threat exists for PTI. The entire nation stands with Imran Khan and there is no threat against him.” He said that holding a rally is our constitutional right. Haleem said that currently, there is a civilian dictatorship in Pakistan. In Sindh, it is not Bhutto's legacy but the remnants of Ziaul Haq.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2024.