PTI to hold Tarnol Jalsa despite NOC revocation

Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced it will move forward with its planned for Tarnol Jalsa in Islamabad today (Thursday), despite the recent revocation of the non-objection certificate (NOC) previously issued to the party.

In a statement, PTI Islamabad President Amir Mughal confirmed that while the district administration had cancelled the NOC for Tarnol Jalsa, the party remained resolute in its decision to hold the rally. “A peaceful political struggle is our constitutional and legal right,” Mughal asserted.

The cancellation of the NOC followed a report from the district intelligence committee, as disclosed in an official statement. The decision was made during a meeting led by Islamabad Chief Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Ali Randhawa and included discussions on security concerns highlighted by Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi.

The district administration cited several factors in their decision, including the presence of the Bangladesh cricket team in Islamabad and recent instances of protests reaching sensitive locations, such as the Supreme Court building. They argued that these circumstances made it challenging to manage the crowd expected at the PTI rally.

The decision to revoke the NOC came just a day before the rally was scheduled, which was initially announced by Adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif. The rally is seen as a significant demonstration of PTI’s continued push for political momentum under the leadership of Imran Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar had previously expressed doubts about the PTI’s ability to secure permission for the rally. Speaking on Geo News’ “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,” Tarar referenced past events and suggested that the opposition party might face barriers, similar to Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent protest against electricity bills.

In response, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat emphasized the party’s commitment to holding the rally peacefully, despite the administrative challenges. He assured that PTI supporters would not carry weapons or incendiary devices. Marwat warned, however, that any violence or attempts to forcibly block the rally would provoke a significant response from the public.