Quetta administration denies PTI permission for rally despite 'court order'

**QUETTA/SWABI**: On Friday, the local administration of Quetta denied Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) permission to hold a public rally in the district, despite a "court order," citing concerns over the law and order situation.

PTI had planned to hold a protest at the Hockey Ground in Quetta on Saturday. However, Quetta’s Deputy Commissioner, Saad bin Asad, urged PTI to postpone the rally due to ongoing security concerns in the city this month.

Asad explained that public service commission exams were being held at the Ayub National Stadium, and various sports events were scheduled at the Hockey Ground. He also warned that anyone violating the orders would face consequences.

A PTI spokesperson argued that the court had instructed the local administration to provide a venue for the rally, but accused the Deputy Commissioner of using delaying tactics in granting permission despite the court's directive.

Meanwhile, PTI is preparing for another public gathering in the Service Area near the Swabi Interchange. The rally, which was announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur last Saturday, is set to take place on November 9.

Gandapur had earlier modified the PTI’s planned rally in Peshawar, which was originally scheduled for November 8. Speaking at a press conference outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail after meeting PTI founder Imran Khan, Gandapur declared that PTI had exhausted peaceful protests, which had only led to the torture and arrests of party workers. He vowed a stronger response against the current government.

District President Suhail Yousufzai stated that 10,000 to 15,000 chairs would be arranged for the supporters, adding that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, the KP chief minister, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, and other leaders would address the rally. Yousufzai confirmed that the chief minister would announce the party’s next course of action during the event.