Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) has been denied permission to hold a public rally on March 30th, 2024 in Islamabad. Permission has been denied citing security reasons in the capital.
The party has sought permission to hold a public rally in Islamabad against the election rigging and their stolen mandate, post-poll results manipulation, and deviation from the constitution.
The denial comes two days before the expiration of the deadline given by Islamabad High Court to the district administration to decide regarding the request made by PTI for holding a public rally in the federal capital.
In a statement, PTI regional President Aamir Masood Mughal confirmed the news. He said that the party is going to reach out to the Islamabad High Court for permission.
“If you can’t provide security even in the capital, then you have no right to stay in the government,” he added.
Earlier PTI had planned the rally on 23rd March, 1940. The party aimed to celebrate Pakistan Day with patriotic spirit and vigor, while also seeking permission for the planned rally in Islamabad.
Despite awaiting a response from the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner’s Office regarding permission for the rally, the PTI has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court as a precaution. They plan to stage a peaceful protest against election rigging in the capital at the end of the month.
Read more: PTI Plans Islamabad Rally Amid Allegations of Election Rigging
Before the rally, the PTI had to conduct a press briefing on March 25 to discuss the International Monetary Fund (IMF) package and its perceived negative impacts on the economy and the public. Pakistan’s existing $3 billion arrangement with the IMF is set to expire on April 11, and discussions for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) are scheduled in Washington next month.
The party also intends to hold a public rally in Karachi on April 21, reiterating its demand for a thorough investigation into alleged election rigging. Additionally, matters such as the response to statements made by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu and the recent Senate elections were discussed during the PTI core committee meeting.