The District Administration’s decision-making process raised concerns over double standards on Sunday when it granted permission to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to hold a public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21, while refusing to permit PTI to hold a public meeting at Liberty Chowk.
Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider issued a no objection certificate (NOC) for the PML-N’s public meeting, but it came with specific conditions. This approval coincides with the much-anticipated return of PML-N leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan on October 21.
In contrast, PTI’s request to hold a public meeting at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk was not entertained. The administration suggested that requests to hold meetings in larger open spaces might be considered.
It is worth noting that the Lahore High Court (LHC) had previously ruled that if PTI is not allowed to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk, no other party should be permitted to do so either.
The Punjab’s top court made this remark during a hearing of PTI’s petition, where they sought permission to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk on October 15. However, authorities presented a notification stating that PTI would not be allowed to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk, citing security concerns and previous events on May 9, when PTI workers damaged state installations.
Justice Raheel Kamran suggested that if PTI is denied permission to stage a rally, no other political party should be allowed at the same venue. The law officer assured that any future applications for rallies would be considered within 72 hours.
As a result, the court disposed of the petition, advising PTI to propose an alternative location. This development occurs as political parties prepare for the upcoming general elections in January. The PML-N is also planning a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21, marking Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan after four years of self-exile.