PTI petitions LHC for permission to hold Minar-e-Pakistan rally on March 22.

 PTI Seeks LHC Permission for March 22 Rally at Minar-e-Pakistan

Key Points:

1. Legal Move: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking permission to hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22.
2. Petition Details: The plea, filed by PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari, names the Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), DIG, Lahore Deputy Commissioner, and others as respondents. It highlights the Lahore DC’s failure to decide on the rally application.
3. Constitutional Argument: The petition cites the Lahore Resolution’s historical significance (passed on March 23, 1940) and asserts the fundamental rights of association, speech, and peaceful assembly under Article 4 of the Constitution.
4. Allegations of Victimisation: The PTI claims political victimisation and urges the court to prevent harassment of the petitioner and his family while granting permission for the rally, scheduled from 8 PM to 12 AM.
5. Security Concerns: The request comes amid a high alert in Punjab due to a recent surge in terrorism incidents. Earlier, the Lahore administration denied PTI’s February rally request citing security risks.
6. Recent Rally Challenges: PTI’s recent rally in Swabi on February 8, marking the one-year anniversary of the 2023 general elections, saw low turnout due to internal strife, funding shortages, and logistical issues. Only 5,000–6,000 attendees were reported.
7. Financial Constraints: PTI lawmakers reportedly lacked funds to transport workers to the Swabi rally, and no additional funds were allocated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, contrary to past practices.
8. Political Strategy: PTI has warned of a return to agitation politics and plans to collaborate with other opposition parties for anti-government protests after Eid ul Fitr. It recently participated in a two-day opposition alliance conference in Islamabad.

PTI’s legal bid to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan underscores its efforts to reassert its political presence despite administrative hurdles and security concerns. The party’s emphasis on constitutional rights and historical significance reflects its strategy to mobilize public support. However, internal challenges, such as funding shortages and low turnout at recent events, highlight the obstacles it faces. With plans for broader opposition collaboration post-Eid, PTI aims to revive its political momentum, but its success will depend on overcoming logistical and financial constraints while navigating security and administrative barriers.