LHC seeks reply from Punjab govt on PTI's Minar-e-Pakistan rally plea

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government, the Home Secretary, and the Inspector General of Police to respond to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request for permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22, 2025.

The court's ruling came during a hearing of a petition filed by PTI’s Vice President, Akmal Khan Bari, seeking approval for the rally, Express News reported.

The petition was presented by senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, who argued that PTI intended to hold a peaceful demonstration in accordance with the law and the constitution of Pakistan.

In the petition, PTI stated that they had submitted a formal request to the Punjab Home Secretary for the rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, but had not received a decision on the matter. PTI claims that they have been denied permission to hold a peaceful gathering at the iconic location.

The petition further urged the court to issue an order allowing the rally to take place as planned on March 22.

Following the hearing, the court issued a notice to the provincial government, Home Secretary, Punjab Police Chief, and the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, asking them to submit their responses by tomorrow.

Previously, LHC dismissed PTI petition seeking permission for a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.

Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing and upheld the registrar’s objection, stating that PTI must first approach the government’s redressal committee before seeking judicial intervention.

The court ruled that if the committee fails to decide, PTI could then file a petition.

PTI leader Akmal Khan Bari had filed the petition, arguing that the party had formally requested permission from authorities but received no response.