PTI seeks permission for Minar-e-Pakistan rally on February 8

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a request to the deputy commissioner's office for authorization to conduct a public gathering in Lahore on February 8, designated as a "Black Day" in light of the unsuccessful negotiations with the coalition government.

The opposition party is seeking the local administration's consent to assemble at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground, also referred to as Iqbal Park, next month.

According to the application, PTI leader and Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar, along with Ali Ijaz Buttar, will spearhead the upcoming demonstration.

In a statement to the media outside the deputy commissioner's office, PTI leader Aliya Hamza indicated that the party is requesting permission to commemorate "Youm-e-Siyah [Black Day]" on February 8, marking the anniversary of what they claim was the theft of the public mandate.

This statement pertains to the outcomes of the previous year's general elections, where PTI candidates, running as independents, secured the most seats but were unable to establish a government at the federal level.

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The current ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), formed a coalition government with significant support from its primary ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along with other political entities.

Aliya Hamza criticized the authorities for previously denying the Imran Khan-led party the opportunity to hold public gatherings, questioning the inconsistency: "If every party is permitted to rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, why are we being excluded?"

She cautioned that the PTI would explore all legal avenues should the authorities refuse to grant permission for the event. Furthermore, Aliya emphasized that a "Black Day" would be observed nationwide if the opposition party is not permitted to proceed with its gathering in Lahore.