LAHORE
The opposition alliance has announced nationwide protests on April 25 after authorities in Rawalpindi denied Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) permission to hold a public rally at Liaquat Bagh. The announcement came following a high-level meeting of Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan , where leaders from several opposition parties Including PTI decided to hold district-level protests across the country.
The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi rejected PTI’s request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the April 9 rally, officials confirmed. The decision was formally communicated to PTI Rawalpindi General Secretary Aqeel Khan after deliberations by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC).
According to the district administration, the committee reviewed the prevailing law and order situation and assessed potential security threats before arriving at a unanimous decision. Officials stated that the current security environment posed risks to participants of large public gatherings.
“The protection of life and property is a priority, and under the present circumstances, such events cannot be facilitated safely,” the administration said, adding that Section 144, which restricts public gatherings, remains in force in Rawalpindi.
Authorities also cited logistical and financial constraints, stating that ensuring security for a large-scale public event at Liaquat Bagh would require extensive deployment of personnel and resources. They said such arrangements were not feasible under the government’s austerity policy.
The administration maintained that meeting the administrative, logistical, and financial requirements necessary to ensure the safety of participants would be a significant challenge in the current situation.
PTI strongly criticised the decision, terming it politically motivated. In a statement shared on social media, the party accused the government of attempting to suppress public expression.
“This imposed and unconstitutional setup is afraid of a peaceful public gathering,” the statement read. “By rejecting the Rawalpindi rally request, they have stamped their own fear. This restriction is not about security concerns but about fear of the public’s power.”
The party had announced plans to hold a major rally at Liaquat Bagh on April 9, marking what it describes as the anniversary of the removal of its government in 2022.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, calling for restraint amid the current situation. Speaking to Voicepk.net, he said political actors should focus on measures that reduce the impact of broader challenges on the public rather than organising rallies.
“At this time, instead of holding public gatherings, we should take steps that minimise the impact of difficult circumstances on citizens,” he said, referring to the need for responsible political conduct.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders reiterated their intention to proceed with protests. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the party would exercise its right to peaceful protest and warned that if authorities attempted to block their rally, supporters would stage demonstrations at the locations where they were stopped.
He also referred to the events of April 9, 2022, alleging that the removal of the PTI government was the result of decisions taken behind closed doors. He said the protest aimed to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Political tensions have further intensified following reports of arrests of PTI workers in Rawalpindi. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the arrests, calling them an attempt to suppress dissent.
“Peaceful workers of PTI are being unjustly arrested outside Adiala Jail,” he said. “This is a clear act of political revenge aimed at silencing the public voice and intimidating party workers.”
He alleged that authorities had initiated a series of arrests and imposed restrictions on access to the incarcerated PTI leader, including limiting meetings with family members, lawyers, and party officials. He termed the actions a violation of fundamental rights and demanded the immediate release of detained workers.
“These actions undermine democratic values and judicial transparency,” Akram said, adding that citizens must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The opposition alliance, in its meeting, reiterated its commitment to continue political mobilisation and stated that the April 25 protests would be held nationwide at the district level. It said the demonstrations would focus on demands including the restoration of constitutional order, release of political prisoners, and provision of economic relief to the public.