LAHORE: The Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that there is no ban on political activities, and all political parties are freely allowed to campaign.
His comment came hours after the caretaker information minister Amir Mir announced late last night that Section 144 had been imposed in the city for today [Sunday]. He said that it has been prohibited to carry on any rally in the city today.
Also read: Caretaker Punjab govt imposes section 144 in Lahore, yet again
Amir Mir asked Imran Khan to avoid any rally for the day. He said that the writ of state should not be challenged, adding that in case of violation the imposition of Section 144 could be extended.
The Punjab government also sought deployment of at least three companies of Punjab Rangers for a period of 10 days.
Also read: Rangers’ deployment sought in Lahore ahead of PTI rally
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has already challenged Section 144 in Lahore, with petitions filed in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by Dr Yasmin Rashid and Babar Awan, seeking urgent redressal. A spokesperson for the electoral watchdog said the meeting in response to the PTI’s petitions would take place at 10:30am tomorrow (Monday).
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Mohsin Naqvi further clarified imposing Section 144 in Lahore, saying “we have restricted Rallies and Political activities for today as we have PSL Cricket Match, team movements and Marathon in Lahore which were all planned and announced much in advance.”
There is NO Ban on political activities. All political parties are freely allowed to campaign. We have restricted Rallies and Political activities for today as we have PSL Cricket Match, team movements and Marathon in Lahore which were all planned and announced much in advance
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) March 12, 2023
