The Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC), Syed Musa Raza, rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s request to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on February 8, 2025, citing security concerns and overlapping high-profile events in the city. The PTI had planned to observe a “black day” to protest the 2024 general elections, which the party claims were marred by irregularities and a “stolen mandate”.
The PTI’s Punjab chief organizer, Aliya Hamza Malik, initially submitted an application on January 29 but received no response, prompting the party to approach the Lahore High Court (LHC). The court directed the DC to decide by 5 PM on February 7, leading to the formal rejection.
Reasons for the Rejection
Security Concerns and Competing Events
The DC’s office highlighted several factors:
- Security Overload: February 2025 is packed with “national and international events” requiring extensive law enforcement deployment, including the tri-nation ODI cricket series (Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa) from February 8–14. The Punjab government has already requisitioned the Pakistan Army and Rangers for security.
- Threat Alerts: Recent intelligence warnings about potential disruptions necessitated prioritizing foreign dignitaries, athletes, and public safety.
Historical and Logistical Grounds
- Damage to Infrastructure: The DC argued that political gatherings at Greater Iqbal Park, home to Minar-i-Pakistan, risk damaging its “state-of-the-art facilities” and historical significance.
- Past Violations: The PTI allegedly violated conditions during a September 2024 rally in Lahore’s Kahna area, leading to legal cases. The DC criticized the party’s leadership for using “abusive language” against government institutions and journalists.
Political Reactions and Implications
PTI’s Accusations of Suppression
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar condemned Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for “threatening a crackdown” on party workers. Naqvi had earlier urged the PTI to avoid protests during sensitive events, hinting at consequences if they proceeded.
- The PTI framed the rejection as part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent, referencing the contested 2024 elections dominated by independent candidates affiliated with the party.
Government’s Stance
- The Punjab government defended the decision, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order amid heightened security demands. The DC noted that no political party had been granted permission for rallies at Minar-i-Pakistan under similar circumstances.
Broader Political Landscape
The clash reflects Pakistan’s ongoing political instability following the 2024 elections, which failed to resolve the three-way deadlock between the PML-N-led coalition, PTI, and the establishment. The election’s perceived lack of transparency deepened polarization, with the PTI demanding electoral reforms and accountability.
Conclusion: Democracy vs. Security
The Lahore DC’s decision underscores the tension between democratic expression and security imperatives in Pakistan. While the government cites legitimate concerns about public safety, critics argue such measures stifle opposition voices and weaken democratic norms. As the PTI vows to challenge the ruling, the incident highlights the fragility of Pakistan’s political reconciliation process and the urgent need for institutional trust-building.
