LHC Seeks Response from Lahore Deputy Commissioner on PTI’s Minar-i-Pakistan Rally Plea
Lahore – February 3, 2025: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the city’s deputy commissioner to submit a response regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on February 8.
The PTI has planned a “black day” protest on February 8 to voice its concerns over what it calls a “stolen mandate” in the 2024 general elections, where independent candidates dominated the results.
Malik, the newly appointed PTI Punjab chief organizer, had formally requested Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza on January 29 for permission to hold the rally. After receiving no reply, she approached the LHC, seeking legal intervention.
During today’s hearing, Justice Farooq Haider instructed DC Raza to appear in person on February 6 and submit his response. The court also sought replies from the Punjab government, Lahore’s commissioner, deputy commissioner, additional deputy commissioner, and other relevant authorities.
PTI’s Stance on the Protest
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Malik emphasized that February 8 is not just about PTI but a significant day for Pakistan. She highlighted the party’s struggles over the past two years, urging citizens to join the protest.
“No section of society was spared from injustice on February 8, 2024,” she stated, alluding to the general elections, which the PTI claims were rigged. Malik further pointed out that PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife remain in jail, while his sisters continue to face legal proceedings.
She asserted the party’s right to a peaceful protest and maintained that no authority could prevent them from holding the rally. Additionally, she warned that if permission was denied, PTI would implement its “Plan B.”
Apart from Lahore, the PTI has also scheduled a protest rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party is in power. As part of their protest, PTI has announced Rs50 million in development funds for village councils and financial assistance of Rs200,000 for party workers recently convicted by military courts over the May 9, 2023 riots.
Legal Petition and Allegations
In her plea to the court, Malik requested directions for the authorities to approve the rally and ensure that law enforcement agencies refrain from intimidating PTI workers or conducting raids against them.
She criticized what she called a “pattern of security concerns” being used to deny PTI’s requests for public gatherings. Additionally, Malik alleged she was being harassed and pressured to withdraw her request.
The application identified PTI leaders Malik, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bachhar, MPA Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, and Ali Ijaz Buttar as key figures managing the event.
Referring to historical injustices, the petition highlighted that Pakistan has labeled poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz as traitors, accused political activists of terrorism, and even executed a popular prime minister—only to later acknowledge that his trial was unfair. The plea pointed out a recurring pattern where elected leaders and lawmakers have faced legal trials on what PTI calls “fabricated” charges, only to be exonerated years later.
