LAHORE: The Lahore High Court was informed on Friday that the deputy commissioner denied permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on Aug 14.

Assistant Advocate General Sattar Sahil submitted a report on behalf of the DC, saying the PTI could not be allowed to hold the rally at Minar-i-Pakistan for security reasons.

He stated that the DC had also denied permission for rallies to the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party and the Pakistan People’s Party.

The law officer asked the court to dismiss the petition filed by PTI’s Lahore chapter Vice President Akmal Khan Bari.

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Petitioner’s counsel Sardar Latif Khosa pointed out that the PTI was also denied permission for a rally in Islamabad on the same pretext.

Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir disposed of the petition and observed that the petitioner could separately challenge the DC’s decision before the court.

The petitioner’s lawyer stated that the party was also denied permission for Islamabad rally at the last moment.

The petitioner had contended that his party wanted to hold a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on Aug 14 and submitted a request for it, but received no response.

The petitioner assured the court that the rally would be peaceful and in accordance with the law.

He argued that holding rallies was the right of every political party, but the PTI was being deprived of this fundamental right.

ADJOURNED: Chief Justice Aalia Neelum adjourned the hearing of a petition of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari against her viral edited pictures and videos on social media.

The minister asked the court to take action against PTI’s activist Falak Javed Khan.

The petition highlighted that PTI social media activists edited and viral the pictures of the petitioner.

It said under the relevant law, a request was submitted to the FIA for action against the activist and others. However, the FIA had not taken any action so far.

Bhachar moves SJC: Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Ahmad Khan Bhachar on Friday filed a complaint to the Supreme Judicial Council seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.

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Talking to the media outside Lahore registry of the Supreme Court, the opposition leader said the 430-page reference alleged the CEC and other members of the Election Commission were biased.

Advocate Azhar Siddique and other MPAs of the PTI were also present on the occasion.

Mr Bhachar said the CEC and other members demonstrated partiality during the general elections.

He said evidence of electoral irregularities had been included in the reference, asserting that the CEC and the members did not fulfill their legal and constitutional duties.

He said the SJC had been asked to remove the CEC and other members from their offices.

The opposition leader criticized Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz, saying the recent spell of monsoon had exposed her performance.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2024