[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]LAHORE: The caretaker government once again barred the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a demonstration in Lahore, citing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), but experts said on Sunday that the ban was illegal.
According to reports, the PTI was advised by the Lahore deputy commissioner to postpone its rally due to security concerns, a cricket match, Jashan-e-Baharan, Marathon, and the 7th population census.
In response to these concerns, the additional chief secretary (Home) put a ban on all political gatherings and rallies in Lahore under Section 144 powers (6). Despite the start of the Punjab Assembly election process, political rallies were prohibited.
Section 144 was enforced in Lahore earlier on Wednesday, the same day the election schedule was announced, prohibiting all types of public assembly. The reason was described as “undefined recent threat alerts” and to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
Read More: PTI gets permission to hold rallies in Lahore today.
According to a senior government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the district administration had sole authority to impose the rally ban under Section 144.
He went on to say that both notifications were made in violation of the law. He stated that Section 144 (6), under which those powers were exercised, only permitted the provincial government to extend the restriction rather than impose it.
Sabahat Rizwi Advocate, a legal expert, agreed that while the provincial government has the authority to renew a ban order, the district administrations had the authority to issue the notification in the first place.
According to senior lawyer and former advocate general of Punjab Ahmad Awais, this government has no regard for the law, and both announcements have no legal standing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
