People’s Party’s Minar Pakistan Jalsa Doubtful, Police, Opposition to PHA Permission

LAHORE – A public gathering organized by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at Minar Pakistan on July 25 was thrown into uncertainty after the police and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) allegedly submitted negative reports to the district administration, recommending that the event not be allowed.

According to local media reports, police stopped trucks carrying chairs, generators, lighting and decorations at the entrance of the venue ahead of the rally, which is expected to be attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asifa Bhutto Zardari.

Minar Pakistan is a public entertainment venue frequented by families and is not suitable for political gatherings, police said, citing security concerns. The PHA also expressed concern over possible damage to the park and reportedly asked for a security deposit of Rs 60 lakh before granting permission.

Reports said that the District Intelligence Committee is yet to meet to consider the request, while the final decision on permission rests with the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore.

PPP leader Faisal Mir, who submitted the application for the event, said the party had sought permission to hold the gathering from 8 pm on July 25 to 4 am on July 26, expecting a large turnout of party workers and supporters.

Speaking to reporters outside Minar Pakistan after the equipment was shut down, Mir accused the Lahore administration of trying to block the event, despite what he claimed was the approval of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

They alleged that the police had stopped the event workers from entering the venue and were collecting their identity card details and phone numbers. Mir urged the Punjab Chief Minister to intervene and direct the administration not to create obstacles, insisting that the People’s Party would exercise its democratic right to hold a convention on Minar Pakistan.

The post People’s Party’s Minar Pakistan rally suspicious, police, opposition to PHA permission appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

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