Islamabad court orders authorities to allow ex-PM Khan’s PTI to hold rally against vote ‘rigging’

In this file photo, taken on March 10, 2024, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters hold portraits of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, as they protest against the alleged skewing in Pakistan's national election, in Peshawar. (AFP/File)

• Citing “law and order concerns,” district administration turned down PTI's request to hold rally on Mar. 30
• PTI says the decision is part of a wider state-backed crackdown against the party to stem its popularity 

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed authorities in the federal capital to grant permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to hold a public gathering in the city on Mar. 30 against what it says was a rigged general election.
Citing “law and order concerns,” the district administration had earlier turned down the PTI's request to allow it to hold a power show on Saturday against alleged rigging in Feb. 8 elections. The party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has decried the decision as part of a wider crackdown against it that it says has the backing of the state. The government denies it is persecuting any particular party. 
“One's right of assembly cannot be taken away,” IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq was widely quoted as saying by Pakistani media as he heard the PTI's petition seeking the court's permission to hold the rally in Islamabad.
“Do not impose unusual conditions. Allow them [to hold the public gathering] as per the standard terms of reference.”
In response, the governmnet’s lawyer also cited security concerns and growing attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing on Tuesday in which five Chinese engineers were killed in the country’s northwest. 
“Life doesn’t come to a halt,” the chief justice replied, directing the administration to finalize the terms and conditions for the PTI’s rally.
Speaking to media, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said on Wednesday that the PTI’s request for the rally had been denied due to security reasons. 
The Feb. 8 vote followed a widespread state-sanctioned crackdown on the the PTI party of Khan, who has been in jail since August over a raft of charges, including corruption.
The election was marred by arrests and violence ahead of the vote, an internet shutdown on election day and unusually delayed results leading to accusations that the vote was rigged. Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister on March 4, heading a coalition after his party won fewer seats than candidates backed by Imran Khan.
Britain and the European Union have also expressed concern about reported polling irregularities and urged a probe. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed concern about violence and the suspension of mobile communications services.
Khan was ousted after falling out with Pakistan's powerful military, which denies meddling in politics. He alleged the US and Pakistan's military played a role in his ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Both reject the charge. 
Multiple legal cases were brought against Khan after he was ousted, which disqualified him as a candidate in February's election and sentenced him to long prison terms. He denies wrongdoing and remains in jail.