Lahore (HRNW) — The Lahore High Court has issued its written decision rejecting a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking permission to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan.
Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf announced the decision on a petition filed by Mian Usman Akram.
According to the written judgment, the petitioner’s counsel argued that refusing permission for the rally violated Article 16 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
The court noted that Article 16 provides citizens with the right to peaceful assembly; however, the exercise of this right is subject to applicable law, including obtaining permission/NOC from the relevant Deputy Commissioner for holding a public gathering.
The government counsel informed the court that a meeting of relevant security agencies was held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner to assess the situation concerning the proposed rally.
According to the government, the meeting recommended against holding the rally in view of the prevailing law-and-order situation.
The judgment also noted that Minar-e-Pakistan is a public place visited by citizens for recreation and leisure, and security and administrative considerations must therefore be taken into account when considering a large public gathering there.
The government counsel further informed the court that the Deputy Commissioner had already rejected the request for permission on August 3, 2026.
The court observed that since the Deputy Commissioner had already decided the application, the petitioner’s request for an early decision had become ineffective.
The Lahore High Court therefore dismissed the petition, noting that the competent administrative authority had already made a decision on the request.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on the details of the written court judgment provided. The legal observations and positions stated above are reported in the context of the judgment. HRNW does not endorse or oppose any political party or litigating party.
