The Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) plans to hold a workers’ convention at the Greater Iqbal Park on July 25 suffered a setback on Friday after the Lahore district administration stopped preparations for the event, stating that the party had not obtained written permission.
The move came after the party had already erected a stage and made extensive preparations at the venue, with workers scheduled to gather on Saturday and later celebrate President Asif Ali Zardari’s birthday on July 26.
The district administration has sought an explanation from the PPP leadership about the use of park premises without formal approval.
“The Punjab government has restricted access to Minar-e-Pakistan to prevent our workers’ convention, while trucks carrying chairs and other equipment have also been stopped,” wrote Lahore PPP President Faisal Mir.
He added that despite that, they remain determined to hold the workers’ convention “in a peaceful manner” under all circumstances.
Mir further stated that the PPP hoped that “in respect for democratic traditions”, the issue would be resolved immediately.
Meanwhile, a senior police official, requesting anonymity, said police had sought clarification regarding the event from the district administration after learning that preparations were under way at the venue.
He said they were subsequently informed that no written permission had been granted, following which the deputy commissioner took notice of the matter.
Lahore PPP Deputy Information Secretary Ahmad Rehman Ghuman posted a video on X, showing party workers communicating with police officials at the park, while the caption demonstrated a strong resolve to hold the event.
In another social media post, Ghuman showed a video of the stage erected by the workers along with seating arrangements for the convention.