The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed DC Lahore to decide on giving permission to the PTI for its rally at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk by Friday. Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh heard the petition filed by Advocate Azeemullah Khan, seeking permission for the party’s public gathering at the chowk on October 15. Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ghulam Sarwar Nahang represented the Punjab government in the court. During the hearing, the judge asked the AAG as to what was the issue. “What makes you stop the PTI from holding a rally. Please decide by tomorrow whether the party is allowed to hold the event or not,” he said, adding, “Will you allow or not? And if the answer is in negative, give reasons for that.”

AAG replied that he would ask the DC to submit a report in this regard. Justice Sheikh asked Nahang why should not the court summon the DC? Expressing its displeasure over the absence of petitioner’s senior lawyer, the court adjourned the case’s hearing until tomorrow. Two days back, on Tuesday, the PTI had approached the Lahore High Court, seeking the court order to the authorities to permit the party to go ahead with planned rally at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk. Azeemullah Khan, in his petition, sought the court’s permission for a peaceful rally.He stated that the concerned party had applied for permission for the rally five days ago, emphasising the constitutional right of all parties to hold such gatherings. In view of the upcoming general elections, the PTI had last Thursday sought permission from the district administration for holding a public gathering at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk on October 15.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)