Islamabad Revokes PTI's NOC for Tarnol Gathering Amid Rising Tensions

The Islamabad administration has revoked the NOC for Imran Khan's PTI public gathering in Tarnol, sparking legal battles and claims of political conflict. Despite the revocation, PTI plans to proceed as scheduled.

The Islamabad administration has annulled the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) planned public gathering in Tarnol, scheduled for August 22, ARY News reported. Tarnol, a suburb located approximately 3 miles northwest of Islamabad, was set to host the event.

This decision emerged from an Intelligence Committee meeting chaired by Islamabad's Chief Commissioner. The district cited demands from religious organizations for protests, arguing that authorizing the PTI meeting under such conditions was untenable. However, PTI Islamabad President Amir Mughal insisted the gathering would proceed as planned, invoking the party's constitutional right to engage in peaceful political activities.

Mughal also extended an invitation for a peaceful assembly at 4 p.m. on August 22. Further complicating matters, the Islamabad High Court on July 24 nullified the Chief Commissioner's earlier decision to revoke the NOC. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq ordered the Islamabad administration to reassess PTI's request in line with legal protocols, noting that the initial revocation lacked prior notice.

(With inputs from agencies.)