ISLAMABAD: Woes of residents of the capital do not seem to end as on Sunday the district administration received another application for protest or public gathering at D-Chowk.

The protest may also be converted into a sit-in as it was being claimed that the participants would not disperse without getting the resignation of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).

The residents of Islamabad had already faced a tough time during the last week as violent protests were held by supporters of Pakistan-Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in which public and private property worth more than Rs250 million was damaged in the city.

Armed miscreants burnt the office of DPO Industrial Area and opened fire at Ramna, Tarnol and Sangjani police stations. Moreover, 12 vehicles and 34 motorcycles were set on fire while one SMG rifle, one 12-bore rifle, 42 anti-riot kits and three wireless sets were snatched by miscreants. Police arrested 564 suspects and 26 cases have been registered against elements involved in the violent protests.

“The head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) [Maulana Fazlur Rehman] has said he will convert the public meeting into a sit-in which will last till resignation of the CJP,” Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar said.

On the other hand, leaders of PML-N and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) on Sunday submitted an application to the district administration seeking a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the public gathering at D-Chowk.

The application, available with Dawn, has been signed by President of PML-N Islamabad Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, JUI-F General Secretary Islamabad Mufti Mohammad Abdullah and PML-N Rawalpindi President Malik Ibrar Ahmed.

“It is stated that PDM parties want to hold a public gathering at D-Chowk Islamabad on Monday, the 15th May at 10am. Please allow permission for the above said public rally and make necessary security and traffic arrangements,” it stated.

An official of the district administration, wishing not to be quoted, said section 144 was already imposed in the federal capital and first information reports (FIRs) would be registered against participants of rallies.

“However, as the applicants belong to the ruling party I believe that we will be left with no option but to give approval for the public gathering which may convert into a sit-in. As we are not allowing any gathering near Red Zone, we may offer them to hold the sit-in at Srinagar Highway between H-9 and G-9 sectors or any other venue but the direction from the Ministry of Interior will be final for us,” he said.

Meanwhile, the matter regarding the venue of the protest was being discussed among PDM parties till late night. Moreover, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has also announced to attend the protest.

A representative of JUI-F Prof Arif said that it will be a peaceful protest as workers of JUI-F were disciplined and totally in control of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The Red Zone has been sealed from D-Chowk and Marriott Hotel but the entrance from Margalla Avenue was open.

Rawalpindi

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said in a press conference that the government was working towards convincing PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman to change venue of the protest site from Red Zone.

In this regard, PPP Central Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari held a meeting with office-bearers of the party’s local chapter and asked it to bring maximum people from all the union councils of the city.

He conveyed the message of the party chairman that it was the duty of the office-bearers to make the demonstration successful.

“The local leaders and former candidates across the province had been asked to remain in touch with people in their constituencies,” he said.

On the other hand, the JUI-F Punjab chapter asked its office-bearers to be present on Constitution Avenue in front of Supreme Court on Monday Morning at 9am.

In a meeting, JUI Punjab chief Dr Qari Attiqur Rehman issued four point directives asking for 100 per cent attendance of the office-bearers besides bringing party flags with strong batons in the venue before 9am.

PML-N Division President Malik Abrar on Sunday gave final shape to the protest demonstration.

He said that the party decided to make arrangements to participate in the protest, all party ticket holders of 2018 general elections will bring their rallies from their relevant constituencies.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2023