Opposition denied permission to hold rally on The Mall

E-Paper | March 16, 2026

LAHORE: The Punjab government has denied permission to the opposition to hold a rally on The Mall on Thursday (today).

The PML-N had written to the deputy commissioner seeking permission to hold a public meeting on The Mall on July 25 to observe ‘black day’.

The PML-N said it was observing the day on July 25 as on this day last year the PTI stole the public mandate and a selected prime minister was installed in the country.

PML-N’s Punjab information secretary Azma Bokhari said the PTI led by Imran Khan used to hold rallies on The Mall in the past but no one stopped him despite a ban by the Lahore High Court. Ms Bokhari and PPP leader Aslam Gill said the opposition would hold the rally in Lahore come what may.

There are reports that police have picked up some PML-N activists. PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz said the party lawmakers were forced to sign an undertaking (by hidden forces) not to attend the rally.

She is scheduled to lead an opposition rally in Quetta on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2019

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Ifti Malik

Jul 25, 2019 01:31pm

A far cry from the previous democratic government, that allowed PTI to hold rallies freely. This once again shows the fascist-oriented mindset of Imran and his government.

Recommend 0

Asim

Jul 25, 2019 04:41pm

Just tell me when the food will be served and I will be there on time.

Recommend 0

Asif A. Shah

Jul 25, 2019 05:20pm

We must respect the rights of demonstrations of all organizations. By denying the opposition its right to demonstrate the government is exposing its high handed tactics. It is a shameful act of the government. I condemn it.

Recommend 0

Mujeeb

Jul 25, 2019 06:51pm

@Asif A. Shah, Why block the main commercial areas of the city and disrupt day of thousands of people by forcing them to deal with the traffic jams. If you want to protest, do that on the side of the roads peacefully. By the way who cares about this opposition any longer other than their paid goons.

Recommend 0

Fareed N

Jul 25, 2019 09:30pm

Why Mall Road Lahore , why create traffic jam? Go to Minar-e-Pakistan ground, there is ample space.

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Amir

Jul 26, 2019 01:17am

@Asim, Same as like you went for food to Imran Khan dharna, but sorry, other political parties don't have money for such free food, only PTI can have grants like that from institutes.

Recommend 0

Ahsan Gul

Jul 26, 2019 03:29am

@Asif A. Shah, - Pakistan is drowned in credit, unemployment widespread and these dishonest politicians creating chaos and disturbances? These opposition people come forward to help our government and not to spread lawlessness! Good move by the government to disallow.

Recommend 0

Tariq Malik Orlando

Jul 26, 2019 11:37pm

Asim you hit the nail right on head. Poor and hungry masses getting exploited again. Just return the money ( Nawaz and Bhutto) , live your elite lives and give poor Pakistanis a chance to create a decent country for themselves .

Recommend 0

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