The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has received permission from the district administration to hold its highly anticipated rally at the Ring Road in Kahna today, September 21. This approval follows directives from the Lahore High Court, which required a decision on PTI’s rally request by 5 PM on Friday.
The Deputy Commissioner has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) stipulating 43 conditions that PTI must adhere to during the event. The rally is scheduled from 3 PM to 6 PM, although PTI is negotiating for an extension until 11 PM.
Key conditions include:
- Time Limit: The rally is strictly limited to the timeframe of 3 PM to 6 PM.
- Public Apology: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is required to publicly apologize for remarks made during a previous rally in Islamabad on September 8.
- Participation Restrictions: Individuals on trial for hate speech related to the Islamabad rally will not be permitted on stage. No proclaimed offenders are allowed to participate; PTI organizers are responsible for ensuring their apprehension.
- Sloganeering Limits: No anti-state or anti-institution slogans will be tolerated. The use of Afghan flags or the presence of Afghan-paid manpower is also prohibited.
- Security Measures: The NOC emphasizes the need for comprehensive security arrangements, and prohibits the broadcast of messages from any convicted individuals.
- Disruption Prevention: Groups of supporters from outside the city must not disrupt daily life in Lahore.
- Legal Accountability: If any proclaimed offenders are identified at the rally, the organizing committee will face legal consequences for failing to facilitate their arrest.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called for peaceful participation and urged supporters to arrive by 1 PM to ensure timely proceedings. He expressed appreciation for the NOC and highlighted the importance of cooperation for smooth access to the venue.
The district administration has locked down access to Minar-e-Pakistan, the originally planned venue, due to security concerns, leading to the relocation of the rally. Heavy police presence is reported at the new venue, and preparations are ongoing, including a convoy led by CM Gandapur from Swabi.
