Lahore High Court Rejects Petition to Stop PTI Rally
Petition Declared Inadmissible
The Lahore High Court rejected a petition filed by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar seeking to halt a rally organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The three-member full bench, headed by Justice Farooq Haider, declared the petition inadmissible, stating that the petitioner was not an aggrieved party in the case.
Justice Haider remarked, “You are not the aggrieved party,” and subsequently dismissed the request.
Court Orders Decision on Rally Permit
Deputy Commissioner Tasked with Decision by 5 PM
While rejecting the petition, Justice Farooq Haider directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore to make a decision regarding the PTI’s rally permit by 5 PM the same day. The decision was to be made in accordance with the law, ensuring the process was transparent and prompt.
Petition Disposed
The court concluded the hearing on PTI’s application for rally permission, asking the local authorities to handle the matter as per the rules.
Arguments and Concerns Raised by Government Lawyers
Government Lawyer Seeks Rejection
During the hearing, the government lawyer argued that the petition seeking permission for PTI’s rally should be declared inadmissible, citing that the appropriate process was not followed. The lawyer pointed out that Alia Hamza, one of the petitioners, did not initially approach the relevant forum for the required permission.
PTI’s Past Rally Behavior Cited
Concerns were also raised regarding PTI’s previous rallies, where leaders allegedly delivered inflammatory speeches, especially referencing the rally in Islamabad.
Judges Urge Creation of Dedicated Spaces for Rallies
Justice Tariq Nadeem Suggests Allocating Spaces for Rallies
Justice Tariq Nadeem, while addressing the Chief Secretary, highlighted the challenges posed by frequent political rallies. He suggested that the government allocate designated spaces in each district for public gatherings to avoid disruptions.
Justice Nadeem stated, “The entire system is at a standstill when rallies are held. Lahore is a big city, so there should be at least two or three designated places for such events.”
Call for Systemic Change
In his remarks, Justice Nadeem urged the authorities to implement lasting changes. “Where did the world go, and we are still stuck here. There is no freedom of speech and no permission to hold meetings,” he added, calling for improvements in the country’s handling of public assembly rights.
Police Deny Allegations of Harassment
IG Punjab Responds to Allegations
During the hearing, IG Punjab assured the court that the police were not engaged in any illegal harassment regarding the PTI rally. However, lawyer Latif Khosa countered, alleging that police had been stationed outside his residence for a week, raising concerns about police practices surrounding political gatherings.
This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political tussle over public rallies and the right to assembly in Lahore, as both the judiciary and local administration are faced with balancing public order and constitutional freedoms.