Authorities suspend PTI's NOC for public gathering in Islamabad

The chief commissioner Islamabad has suspended the no objection certificate (NOC) issued to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for holding a public gathering in the federal capital citing "security threats during Muharram".

The development came at the eleventh hour as the party had already announced the public gathering on July 6 (today).

Earlier, PTI Islamabad chapter president, Amir Mughal, who had taken permission for the public gathering, was also arrested from outside the deputy commissioner's office on Thursday.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, the opposition party decided on friday night to hold a public gathering at the designated location, Tarnol.

The party's top leadership met at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad and made significant decisions.

Secretary General Omar Ayub said he would approach the high court to address the matter.

He said party supporters would start arriving at Tarnol from 2:00pm, the caravan would reach there by 3:00pm, and there would be a big crowd at Tarnol at 6:00pm.

“Whatever happens, we will hold a public gathering,” said Omar Ayub while talking to the media after a top brass meeting.

Following the suspension of NOC, the contingents of Tarnol police arrived at Jalsa Gah and removed the stage, containers and chairs from the location.

According to the police, the party was attempting to hold a public gathering without NOC, due to which the place was being vacated.

Earlier on June 26, PTI leader Amir Mughal had claimed that the party had been permitted by the DC for a public gathering on July 6. 

On July 3, the Party’s Secretary General Omar Ayub appealed to PTI supporters to reach Islamabad to end the incarceration of party founder Imran Khan and to raise voices against the alleged "stolen mandate".