LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stepped up preparations to mark Independence Day with major public gathering in Lahore, seeking official permission to hold the event on the night between August 13 and 14.
Despite previous refusals, PTI formally approached Deputy Commissioner’s Office for No Objection Certificate (NOC), requesting permission to stage the gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan or another suitable alternative venue.
According to the application, Imran Khan’s beleaguered party plans to hold the rally on August 13 from 4:00pm until 12:30am, turning the Independence Day celebrations into a late-night political gathering in the provincial capital.
The application was submitted by PTI Lahore President Mian Akram Usman through Advocate Yousaf Wain.
PTI invoked the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, arguing that it is entitled to hold the public gathering under the Constitution.
The party specifically picked iconic Minar-e-Pakistan as its preferred venue, while also asking authorities to provide an alternative location if permission for the landmark site is not granted.
