A senior member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has approached the Lahore High Court seeking protection for party workers and supporters allegedly facing harassment and illegal police raids ahead of the party's planned protest on August 5.
The petition, filed by PTI leader Akmal Khan, names the Inspector General of Police Punjab, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, DIG Operations, and Station House Officers of Shahdara and Ferozwala (District Sheikhupura) as respondents. The petitioner urged the court to restrain the police from conducting raids and harassing individuals participating in or mobilizing for the upcoming protest.
In his plea, Khan argued that the Constitution grants every citizen the right to move freely, reside in any part of the country, and assemble peacefully — subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of public order.
He emphasised that the right to form and be part of a political party is also protected under the Constitution, provided it does not operate in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan.
Citing Article 17 of the Constitution, the petitioner noted that any federal declaration regarding the illegality of a political party must be referred to the Supreme Court within fifteen days, and that only the court's decision in such matters is final.
He requested the Lahore High Court to issue directions to police officials to stop harassing PTI workers and refrain from conducting raids at their homes without legal justification.
The petition has been admitted for hearing, and the court is expected to issue a ruling after reviewing the stance of the concerned authorities.
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