Lahore Administration Denies PTI Permission for Minar-e-Pakistan Rally
PTI Declares February 8 as "Black Day" to Protest Alleged Election Rigging
The Lahore city district administration on Thursday night rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) request to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on February 8, citing security concerns.
According to Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC), the decision was made to ensure law and order in the city.
The move follows PTI's declaration of February 8 as “Black Day” to mark the first anniversary of what it claims were “rigged general elections.”
In an official statement, the DC said, “Permission for the rally has been denied in the interest of maintaining public security.”
The administration highlighted that multiple major events, including a cricket match, an international speaker conference, and a horse and cattle show, are scheduled in Lahore on February 8, necessitating the deployment of thousands of security personnel.
Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the deputy commissioner to decide on PTI’s rally request by 5 PM.
Justice Farooq Haider issued the order while hearing a petition filed on February 3 by PTI Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza, seeking official approval for the gathering.
PTI, after failed negotiations with the government, has been actively protesting the 2024 general elections, which, along with other opposition parties, it claims were manipulated to steal its mandate.
The party’s negotiations with the ruling coalition collapsed after the government refused to establish a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and November 2024 protests as per PTI’s demands.
Talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government and PTI began in late December amid rising political tensions.
Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, in response to the Lahore rally denial, warned of protests in Swabi on the same day, emphasizing that the party’s willingness to engage in dialogue should not be mistaken for weakness.
Over the past year, PTI has staged multiple demonstrations. The party's political gatherings and protests in Islamabad previously led to a government crackdown, with several leaders and workers facing legal action.
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