LAHORE (Dunya News) – The district administration in Rawalpindi has refused to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for holding a public rally at Liaquat Bagh.
According to official sources, PTI Rawalpindi General Secretary Aqeel Khan has been formally informed of the decision. The administration cited prevailing law and order concerns and security risks as key reasons behind the refusal.
The matter was reviewed during a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC), where authorities assessed the current threat landscape. Officials concluded that large public gatherings could pose risks to the safety of participants.
Authorities further stated that Section 144 remains in force in Rawalpindi, restricting public assemblies. Additionally, providing comprehensive security clearance for Liaquat Bagh would require significant deployment of resources, which is not feasible under the government’s austerity policy.
The administration maintained that ensuring adequate administrative, logistical, and financial arrangements for such a gathering is currently a major challenge. Therefore, in light of the DIC’s unanimous recommendation, permission for the rally could not be granted.
PTI stance
In response, PTI confirmed that its request to hold a rally on April 9 at Liaquat Bagh had been rejected. The party reiterated that holding peaceful public gatherings is a fundamental constitutional right of every political party.
Aqeel Khan, PTI Rawalpindi district president, stated that the party had been officially notified of the denial, which authorities justified on security grounds.
Sources also revealed that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), custodian of Liaquat Bagh, opposed the event, arguing that the venue is now a recreational park rather than a political gathering site, and such events could damage plants and landscaping.