Lahore, February 7, 2025: In a significant decision, the Lahore city district administration has rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on February 8, citing security concerns.
PTI had planned the rally to mark the first anniversary of what it calls the “rigged general elections,” declaring the date a “Black Day.” The Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) explained that the rally was not authorized in the interest of maintaining law and order in the city. The DC further noted that several large-scale events, including a cricket match, an international speaker conference, and a horse and cattle show, are scheduled for the same day, requiring extensive security measures.
Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had instructed the Deputy Commissioner to make a decision on PTI’s request by 5 pm. This directive was issued by Justice Farooq Haider during the hearing of a petition filed by PTI Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza, seeking approval for the rally.
PTI’s protest plans stemmed from the collapse of negotiations with the government. The party, along with other opposition groups, has consistently alleged that the 2024 general elections were rigged and that PTI’s electoral mandate was stolen. Talks between PTI and the PML-N-led government, which began in late December after months of political tensions, eventually broke down when the government failed to establish a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 protests—key demands of PTI.
In addition to the Lahore rally, PTI has announced a protest in Swabi on the same day, with PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar warning of escalating demonstrations against the ruling coalition. He stressed that the party’s willingness to engage in dialogue should not be interpreted as weakness.
Meanwhile, PTI has decided against holding any rally or protest in Islamabad on February 8, sources revealed, as the party prepares for the Swabi gathering. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has called on “every Pakistani to take to the streets on Black Day.”
Protests are scheduled to take place in 13 districts across Southern Punjab on Saturday, with leadership in Sindh planning demonstrations in Karachi and their respective constituencies.
