Rawalpindi admin denies PTI rally permission at Liaquat Bagh

RAWALPINDI: The district administration on Wednesday refused permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally at Liaquat Bagh on April 9, citing security risks and law-and-order concerns.

The party had sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) after Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a protest on the anniversary of PTI’s ouster from power following a no-confidence motion four years ago. In anticipation of potential unrest, the administration had already imposed Section 144 across the district for 15 days a day earlier.

PTI Rawalpindi district president Khan Aqil Khan was formally informed of the rejection after the matter was reviewed by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC). The committee assessed the prevailing security environment, including recent threat alerts and input from law enforcement agencies.

According to an official notification issued by the deputy commissioner, the DIC unanimously concluded that the rally could not be allowed. “Following a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing law and order situation and recent security threat alerts… the requested activity cannot be held,” the statement said.

The committee also cited logistical and financial constraints, noting that the extensive deployment of police and security personnel required to secure a large gathering at a sensitive location like Liaquat Bagh was not feasible under current conditions. It pointed to the ongoing global energy crisis and government austerity measures as additional limiting factors.

Meanwhile, PTI founder Imran Khan remains in custody at Adiala Jail since August 2023, serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case. He also faces multiple pending cases under anti-terrorism laws linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.

The party has recently intensified its campaign for his release, especially after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court indicated a significant deterioration in his eyesight. However, government officials insist that he is receiving proper medical care in custody.

In a related development, Rawalpindi police registered a case under anti-terrorism provisions a day earlier against Imran Khan’s sisters, several lawmakers, and around 1,400 unidentified individuals following unrest on Adiala Road.

According to police, the FIR—lodged on the complaint of a sub-inspector posted at the Adiala checkpost—includes serious charges such as attempted murder and resistance against law enforcement personnel, reflecting heightened tensions ahead of the planned protests.