LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the deputy commissioner on a petition by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) seeking permission to hold a public rally at Minar-iPakistan on Feb 8.

Justice Farooq Haider took up the petition of PTI Punjab Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza Malik filed through Advocate Ishtiaq A Khan.

After hearing initial contention of the counsel, the judge issued a notice to the deputy commissioner for submission of a reply by Thursday (tomorrow).

The lawyer stated that a formal request for the rally was submitted to the deputy commissioner of Lahore on Jan 29, but no response had been received.

He alleged whenever the PTI requested permission for a public gathering, security concerns were raised as a pretext to deny an approval.

He also alleged that the petitioner was being harassed and threatened to withdraw the request.

The counsel asked the court to direct the authorities to grant permission for the Feb 8 rally and to restrain law enforcement agencies from harassing or abducting PTI workers.