LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday gave the deputy commissioner more time to decide on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) application for permission to hold a rally in the city.

Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabbir heard the petition filed by PTI Lahore Vice President Akmal Khan Bari.

Assistant Advocate General Sattar Sahil appeared before the court and sought two days for the DC to decide the application of the petitioner.

The judge allowed the request, restraining the government and the police from causing any harassment to the petitioner or his family. He noted that the government needed to make a swift decision on the petitioner’s request.

The judge questioned what would happen if the government denied the request a day before the scheduled rally. He directed the law officer to present a report on Friday (tomorrow).

The petitioner’s lawyer stated that a similar situation occurred for the Islamabad rally, where permission was not granted 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. He 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.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2024