Peshawar: The High Court, while hearing the petition of PTI, has remarked that if there is no ban, PTI can hold a peaceful rally according to the law.
A two-member bench consisting of Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Shakeel Ahmed heard the petition filed by Tehreek-e-Insaf for permission to hold election campaigns and rallies in the Peshawar High Court.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer told the court that PTI is not being allowed to conduct rallies and election campaigns. In the province, we submitted 75 requests to the administration for conventions and meetings, but permission was not granted.
Justice Shakeel Ahmed inquired that you want to do political activities, to which the lawyer said that the Election Commission has said that the election will be held at the end of January 2024. PTI wants election campaign.
Advocate General Aamir Javed told the court that they have given applications so where are they, we don’t have even one. For a legal procession, permission must first be obtained from the administration. There is a code of conduct for rallies and election campaigns, the administration allows accordingly.
The lawyer told the court that a workers’ convention was held in the room of former provincial minister Atif Khan in Mardan. The government also registered an FIR against him. The Advocate General replied that he is a former minister but at present he is an advertiser. How to allow conventions on an advertiser’s room
Justice Ejaz Anwar remarked that this is not a new thing in Pakistan. Some are brought into the protocol. The Advocate General said that everyone has the right to peaceful protest, but for that too, permission must be obtained from the administration first. Justice Ejaz Anwar said that other political parties are holding conventions and meetings, daily news is also coming. He inquired that there is no restriction on them by the government.
The Advocate General replied, No, there is no such restriction. Justice Ijaz Anwar said that if there is no ban, if they want a convention or a peaceful meeting in a ground, there is no problem in that. We cannot give permission to anyone to hold a rally on the streets. A meeting can be held in any ground.
The court said that if there is no ban, then according to the law, they can conduct peaceful election campaigns and conventions. If you want a convention or rally, you should apply to the administration. Deputy Commissioner should return your application, if not allowed, then apply in court. We will then call them to ask why they did not give permission. Later, the court disposed of PTI’s plea.
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