The Punjab government has announced a policy for regulating rallies on Mall Road, (Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam) to avoid suspension of business activities. Under the policy, the concerned authorities have been directed about bye-laws notified by the District Administration under Local Government Ordinance 2001 and ordered to regulate protest processions depending upon size allowed at Nasir Bagh and Attique Stadium. The district government would however, designate any other appropriate open space for the purpose if need be.
Similarly, the Provincial Assembly Secretary would designate assembly staff as representatives to receive petitions from protestors. According to need, the district administration would provide transport to a limited number (around 10-15) of people selected as representatives to take them to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat and back to Nasir Bagh. The Capital City police officer and Chief Traffic Officer would ensure that the vehicles are properly escorted.
Protests and processions organised without permission and in violation of law, would be video recorded by police and legal action could be taken against violators under relevant law provision by the concerned SHO without delay. The Mall Road Traders Association shall affix boards to warn against criminal action against protestors hindering traffic. The District Administration, Police and Mall Road Traders Association would continue building consensus on restricting protests and processions on the road and would also continue to persuade media to refrain from covering protests organised without permission and in violation of law.
A committee would be constituted with Education Minister, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman as the chairman, with the task to gradually build consensus among all stakeholders, manage irritants that may arise from time to time and assist the District Administration in enforcement of the policy.
