Capital DC declines PTI’s request for rally

Diplomats and foreigners reside in various sectors of the city and move about daily

By Shakeel Anjum
July 30, 2024
Supporters of the PTI party shout slogans and protest to demand the release of their jailed party founder Imran Khan, in Karachi on January 28, 2024. — AFP
Supporters of the PTI party shout slogans and protest to demand the release of their jailed party founder Imran Khan, in Karachi on January 28, 2024. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has rejected the request by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has stated that the capital is home to over 60 embassies and offices of international organizations. Diplomats and foreigners reside in various sectors of the city and move about daily. Protests and rallies would disrupt their movements.

Additionally, Memon pointed out that approximately 500,000 citizens travel daily to the federal capital for work or education. Allowing the protest would deprive these individuals of their fundamental rights by hindering their daily commute. Preparations have been made by Rawalpindi police for a potential PTI protest demonstration. The DC emphasized that road closures would cause significant inconvenience to citizens, and therefore, the permission for the protest cannot be granted.