LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has applied afresh for permission to “stage a political gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan ground” in a late-night slot on Oct 5 — since the police had broken up the party’s last week Lahore power show for violating the timeline.

PTI Lahore president Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, core committee member Aliya Hamza Malik and ticket holder Ali Ijaz Buttar submitted a three-page application to the office of the deputy commissioner, seeking No Objection Certificate (NOC) to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan ground (Greater Iqbal Park) on Oct 5 from 5pm to 11pm.

The application stated that the PTI, being the largest political party in the country, believed in maintenance of law and order and discipline and its office-bearers would fully cooperate with the DC office to ensure a smooth and hassle-free political gathering on Oct 5.

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It stated the PTI, its members, leadership and supporters had a fundamental right to do political activities in Pakistan as guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. “Denial of such a right is tantamount to violating the basic constitutional principle on which foundations of political party (PTI) rests,” the application asserted and added that a political party inherently possessed the right to exert itself through all legal modes.

The PTI leaders requested that possession of the location be handed over to them within 48 hours before the start of the political gathering in order to ensure proper and effective preparation.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2024