The Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a public rally on March 19 (Sunday) at Iqbal Park (commonly known as Minar-e-Pakistan) and asked the party not to disrupt citizens’ routine lives.
Despite ‘security threats,’ the PTI intended to stage a ‘historic’ public gathering at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan on March 19. PTI Chairman Imran Khan was scheduled to lead it.
During the hearing today, the judge criticized the party for not making advance plans for their public gathering, saying that if they wanted to host a rally, then such plans should have started 15 days earlier.
"For God's sake, let the people go about their daily business. This Sunday is not the day for your rally. Even before getting married, people make plans," he added.
The judge directed the PTI leadership to meet with the authorities concerned and resolve the matter. The court ordered the party to reschedule the rally, adding that "we are being shamed as a nation."
The court then adjourned the hearing till 11am tomorrow.
On March 13, PTI chief Imran Khan announced plans to organize a "historic" rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on Sunday, as part of the party’s electioneering ahead of the crucial Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections.
"I’ll hold a public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan on Sunday at 2pm," Imran said, addressing his supporters from inside his vehicle after leading a rally in the metropolis for the first time since his recovery from an attack on him in Wazirabad in November last year.
He said that though his life was in danger, "thieves" imposed upon the country must be held accountable if "true freedom" freedom is to be achieved.