PTI, PPP seek permissions for rallies
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has petitioned the Lahore High Court for permission to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on the Independence Day.
Filed by PTI Vice President Akmal Khan through his counsel Khurram Latif Khosa, the petition names the Punjab government and chief secretary as respondents. The PTI argues that the party has been a target of political retaliation over the past two years and seeks a court order to halt harassment of the petitioner and his family.
The petition emphasises the party's intention to hold a peaceful meeting at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan ground and requests judicial approval to proceed with the event.
In a separate development, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has requested permission from the district administration to celebrate President Asif Ali Zardari's 69th birthday at Minar-e-Pakistan on July 25. PPP leader Faisal Mir submitted an application to the Lahore deputy commissioner, seeking authorisation for fireworks, a cake-cutting ceremony and arrangements for chairs and canopies to accommodate 1,000 participants of the gathering. The party also plans to include a musical night in the celebrations.
The district administration's decisions on both requests are pending.