LAHORE: International Labour Day is being observed across the country today (Monday) as elsewhere in the world, to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the labour class for the development of society.
The fundamental objective of observing International Labour Day is to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the labourers, create awareness about their rights, and protect them from exploitation. In this connection, rallies will be taken out by the labour and other organizations in various cities to highlight the significance of the Day.
Pakistan’s main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has also announced rallies in connection with the Labour Day today. The PTI decided to kick off the election campaign and announced to hold rallies across the country from May 1, also marking the Labour Day amid the negotiations with the ruling alliance over the election fiasco
The former ruling party has been granted conditional permission to hold a rally in the provincial capital, Lahore. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider has issued a notification granting permission for a rally to be held by the PTI.
The district administration gave the green light after obtaining an affidavit from the party’s leadership. The rally is scheduled to take place from 1 pm to 6 pm, the mutually-agreed timings. The permission letter states that the rally administration will be responsible for the security of the women, stage and all enclosures. Furthermore, uninterrupted electricity will be ensured in all relevant areas.
The PTI has agreed not to make any speeches against the judiciary or other institutions during the rally. To ensure the security of the rally, the relevant authorities and the focal person will cooperate with each other. Additionally, the uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the rally’s route will be ensured. The PTI’s leadership will be responsible for any damage to public property caused by the participants. The use of sound system will be subject to relevant laws, said the permission letter.
The district administration has imposed certain restrictions to ensure the safety of the public and the smooth flow of the rally. No business centres, markets will be closed or damaged due to the rally, and participants will not be allowed to bring sticks or similar items along. Additionally, no one will be permitted to hurt anyone’s sentiments during the rally. No reception camps will be set up for the rally, while the display of weapons will be banned.
Appropriate parking lots will be arranged for the participants. Moreover, no wall-chalking will be done on the route of the rally, nor will anyone be forced to join the rally. These measures will ensure that the rally is peaceful and free from any disruptive elements.
Section 144 imposed in Islamabad, Peshawar
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Peshawar and Islamabad ahead of the expected PTI rallies today. The Capital police spokesperson said on Twitter on Sunday that no meetings, processions, and gatherings are allowed in Islamabad, adding legal action will be taken against those who violate the law.
