Police in Islamabad has sought a grant of over Rs70million to maintain peace ahead of the arrival of a rally by religious parties which began from Lahore on Monday and will converge in the capital.

The organisers — Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasoolullah Pakistan and Sunni Tehreek — have been warned against taking any rally to Islamabad as a ban on public gatherings had already been imposed in the city. But they appear undeterred and have not even sought permission from local administration, according to officials.

The request for grant by the police includes Rs44m for food, Rs14.6m for hiring containers and other vehicles, Rs5.5m for fuel, Rs4.5m for residence of additional 8,000 personnel whose services have been sought from Punjab, FC and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Rs2m for other expenses.

The grant, requested from the interior ministry, will only be enough for seven days and further money will be requested if it continues beyond a week.

The organisers of the rally are demanding the government to fix responsibility for a recent amendment in Khatm-i-Nabuwat declaration which was declared a "clerical error" by the government. Among other demands are execution of death sentence of Aasia Bibi — who was convicted for blasphemy in 2010 — and clarification of Rana Sanullah's statements about Ahmedis.

A few days ago, Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasoolullah international took a rally to Islamabad with the same demands and staged a sit-in in the city which ended after negotiations with the government. The current protest is being held by the organisation's Pakistan chapter.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...