The Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi directed Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Rafia Haider, to propose an alternative venue after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was denied permission to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on August 14, Independence Day.
During the proceedings, the DC appeared before the court, where the law officer argued that tight security arrangements were planned for Imam Hussain's Chehlum between August 25 and 26, raising concerns over the PTI's event.
The DC stated that PTI could not be allowed to hold its gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan due to these security issues. However, she mentioned that if PTI submits an application to hold the event between August 27 and September 2, the matter would be considered, and the court would be informed of the alternative venue.
In earlier proceedings, the petitioner's lawyer informed the court that a fresh application had been submitted to the deputy commissioner's office seeking permission for the public gathering, but no response had been received.
The law officer replied that the application had been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for their input.
Justice Najafi questioned the government's policy on political activities on Independence Day, implying a possible double standard in its treatment of PTI compared to other political parties.
He pointed out that Jamaat-e-Islami had been holding protests without permission and questioned what actions had been taken against them. The law officer admitted he was unsure but assured the court that appropriate measures would have been taken.
Justice Najafi remarked that if the government perceives a security risk, PTI could submit an affidavit to address concerns. However, if permission is still not granted, the situation would be handled according to the law.
The law officer also noted that the risk of terrorism increases during political activities, but the petitioner's lawyer offered to change the venue and date of the event.
The law officer agreed to consult with the relevant authorities and promised to provide an update by August.
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