Islamabad district admin not ready to allow Azadi, Inqilab marches

• Letters to PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri cite imposition of Section 144 in federal capital

Islamabad Capital Territory Chief Commissioner Mujahid Sherdil has informed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri that rallies and processions are banned across the federal capital under Section 144.

In his letter to the PTI chief, the chief commissioner said that PTI would be required to seek permission from the assistant commissioner.

The letter states: “This is with reference to the open source information regarding rally of PTI at ICT scheduled for 14th August, 2014. It is intimated that due to precarious security environment, under Section 144 CRPC imposed in Islamabad Capital Territory, all public gatherings and rallies are banned. Therefore any public event requires prior coordination and permission for necessary security arrangements and relaxation of Section 144 CrPC from the District Magistrate of ICT. So far ICT administration has neither received any request from PTI to hold any public event in ICT nor has such a permission being given under the law.

“You are requested to direct your party to interact with the ICT administration so that the very serious and fragile security situation (particularly with reference to ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation) should be thoroughly thrashed out.”

In the letter to Qadri, the chief commissioner said: “This is with reference to the open source information regarding rally of Pakistan Awami Tehreek at ICT scheduled for 14th August, 2014. It is intimated that due to precarious security environment, under section 144 CRPC imposed in Islamabad Capital Territory, all public gatherings and rallies are banned. Therefore any public event requires prior coordination and permission for necessary security arrangements and relaxation of Section 144 CrPC from the District Magistrate of ICT. So far ICT administration has neither received any request from PAT to hold any public event in ICT nor has such a permission being given under the law.

“Your party’s input is essential for the ICT administration to ensure effective arrangements for the safety of residents of the ICT and the participants of the rally. Furthermore considering the expected inflow of participants of the rally into ICT, it is imperative for the ICT administration to ensure timely arrangements for traffic and security of public and private property, peace and tranquilly of the masses at large as well as participants of any event.

“Without prejudice to the ICT’s decision regarding relaxation of Section 144 CrPC presently invoked in ICT by the District Magistrate, you are requested to direct your party to interact with the ICT administration so that the very serious and fragile security situation (particularly with reference to ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation) should be thoroughly thrashed out. Needless to say that ensuring and safeguarding public life and property is obligatory not only on the administration but also all responsible political parties and law abiding citizens of Pakistan.”

PTI DEFIANT

Commenting on the letter, PTI senior leader Naeemul Haq said the PTI’s Azadi March will take place “come what may”.

“Nothing is stopping this march,” Haq said.

“They [district administration] know very well that the march is happening – what is stopping them from approaching us or our office to discuss this?”