Summary PPP had announced a major public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, expected to be attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari
LAHORE (Web Desk) - Pakistan Peoples Party’s rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on July 25 has run into uncertainty after police and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) reportedly recommended against granting permission, citing security and administrative concerns.
According to media reports, the PPP had announced a major public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, expected to be attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.
Ahead of the event, police stopped trucks carrying chairs, generators, sound equipment, decorations, and other materials at the entrance to the venue.
Police and the PHA also submitted reports to the district administration recommending that permission for the rally not be granted.
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In its report, police argued that Minar-e-Pakistan is primarily a recreational venue for families and that holding a large political gathering there could pose security risks.
PPP leader Faisal Mir, who submitted the application for the rally, had requested permission for the event to be held from 8:00 PM on July 25 until 4:00 AM.
Speaking to reporters outside Minar-e-Pakistan after the equipment was stopped, Mir alleged that the Lahore administration was attempting to block the PPP rally despite approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
According to Mir, the Punjab chief minister's principal secretary had informed him a day earlier that the chief minister had approved the event.
He urged CM Maryam Nawaz to intervene and direct the district administration not to create obstacles.
"The Pakistan Peoples Party will hold its convention at Minar-e-Pakistan despite all hurdles," Mir said, adding that the party would not relinquish what it described as its democratic right to organize a public gathering.
