–DC tells protesters to stay away from Red Zone, refrain from displaying weapons and hateful speeches
–At least 100,000 protesters are expected to march on federal capital on Oct 31
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad administration on Monday formally allowed the participants of Azadi March led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman to hold a sit-in in the federal capital if they comply with certain conditions put forth by the capital authorities.
According to the no-objection certificate issued by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqat, the participants are barred from burning effigies or banners of any political leader or political or religious party.
The deputy commissioner has also bound the JUI-F leadership not to disrupt the fundamental rights of the citizens of the federal capital and its adjoining areas.
“You shall be responsible for the internal security arrangements of the participants. And the list of the participants shall be shared with the local police in advance. No damage shall be caused to the public or private property. And in case of any such damage, the organisers will be held responsible,” reads the letter.
The DC has also bound the organisers to ensure that the participants should not illegally move beyond the identified boundaries of the venue and any violation of the condition and resultant consequences shall be the responsibility of the organisers.
“Anti-state, anti-religious or anti-Pakistan ideology speeches or slogans shall not be made. Weapons/firearms of any kind shall not be taken at/near the venue of the protest. However, anything needed for the internal security of the participants will be allowed subject to the approval of the district administration,” the NOC read.
According to the sources, the federal government is closely monitoring the speeches being made by JUI leaders at various places en route Islamabad.
“However, the speech to be made by JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at Lahore would be key for any action by the federal government. If we saw any warning shots, we will take appropriate actions to tackle the situation,” the sources said.
FAZL JOINS MARCH FROM LARKANA:
Meanwhile, Fazl joined the march from Larkana after the protesters resumed their journey from Sukkur on the second day of Azadi March.
On Sunday, the march officially started from Sohrab Goth where the JUI-F leader had addressed a crowd gathered to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
Speaking to the protesters, the JUI-F chief had declared “war” against the “threats to the country’s constitutions”. He had added that the opposition parties were holding the march to strengthen democracy in the country.
The participants of Azadi March from across the country will gather near Tarnol before entering Islamabad on October 31. Around 100,000 workers of the JUI-F are expected to converge on the capital Islamabad next week for a march in a push to dislodge the federal government.
According to Senator Hafiz Hamdullah, JUI-F has a membership of around 3.5 million registered workers and each worker has contributed financially for the march.
