The Islamabad Capital Territory police on Friday night said the district administration had cancelled the permit for the rally of a “political party” on July 6 and warned of legal action if anyone attempted to take the law into their hands.

The PTI is scheduled to hold a power show on Saturday in the Tarnol area of the federal capital. Lashing out at the federal government for delaying the issuance of a no-objection certificate for holding the public meeting, PTI leaders on Tuesday had announced that they would hold a record-breaking public gathering at the designated place, come what may.

They had made it clear that permission or no permission, a successful and peaceful public gathering would be held with public support, with the slogan ‘Qaidi 804 ka Nara, Azadi Haq Hamara’.

The Islamabad police had arrested PTI Islamabad region’s president Amir Mughal outside the deputy commissioner’s office a day ago ahead of the planned power show.

In a post on social media platform X today, the police said: “The district administration has cancelled the permit for a political party’s rally on July 6. No assembly is allowed without a permit.

“Legal action will be taken against those who take the law into their hands. Islamabad police will ensure the establishment of law and order in the city at all times.”

Despite the police’s post, the PTI subsequently posted a reminder on its X account about the Tarnol rally.

“The time has come for the nation to come out with all its strength and demand the freedom of its leader and its freedom. To be united, be strong! Our strength is in our numbers, in our truth, in our bravery!”

It also posted a video, alleging that it showed the police dismantling the installations at the site of the rally.

“How ridiculous and shameful that police is being used for this illegal work now! This is clearly violation of court’s orders. Rally will happen God willing.”

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub maintained that the party would hold its rally.

“Information has been received that the administration … they have cancelled [the permit]. This is malafide and they are doing it out of fear,” he said.

Earlier today, he alleged that the police and administration were creating hurdles. Ayub warned of taking legal action against the authorities and asserted that the rally would go through.

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....