ISLAMABAD: The capital administration has sought an explanation from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders over violations of terms and conditions during its previous public gathering in Islamabad and questioned why the fresh request for the upcoming long march should not be rejected on this ground.

Earlier, on Oct 26, PTI President Ali Nawaz Awan in a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner asked for a no-objection certificate (NOC) and necessary measures in terms of provision of venue, specialised security and others without mentioning the conclusion date of the gathering(s) and sit-in.

The letter stated that the PTI had decided to hold public gathering(s)/sit-in from Nov 4, 2022 known as Haqeeqi Azaadi March on Srinagar Highway between H-9 and G-9 near weekly bazaar as per decision of the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, the administration asked Mr Awan for a meeting in the office of the deputy commissioner to discuss points raised in his letter which needed clarification, officials said.

Terms, conditions were violated during previous gathering, DC says

Mr Awan, along with other PTI leaders, including Babar Awan met Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon in his office where the explanation letter was issued to them, they said.

According to the letter, “keeping in the view violations of undertaking submitted by you and the past record, please explain (point wise) as to why your instant application may be considered favourably and may not be turned-down/rejected.”

It must be mentioned here that on numerous occasions, various clauses of terms and conditions were violated.

On May 25, it was decided that the jalsa would be convened in H-9 (in front of Metro depot) Islamabad but protesters moved towards the Red Zone, the letter said, adding that on July 2, an NOC was issued by the DC upon submission of consent/undertaking on June 30 by Mr Awan as per which he would be held responsible for any damage caused to public property.

Sustainable damage was caused to public property and liabilities are still pending.

Moreover, PTI leaders were asked to clarify which areas they will gather in and were told that the fundamental rights of other citizens must not be violated.

Likewise, they were asked to inform the administration the time of calling off the sit-in, tentative number of participants and what will be the exact route through which participants of the long march will enter Islamabad.

They were further asked to provide other details of arrangements regarding janitorial service, cleanliness mechanism and details of staff deputed for cleanliness, the letter stated, adding that details of medical arrangements during the sit-in, along with names and number of doctors and paramedical staff must also be provided to the administration.

Mr Awan told Dawn that the DC has asked for completion of some formalities in the meeting.

Meanwhile, the capital police partially sealed the Red Zone by putting containers at some entry points, police said.

Containers have been placed at Nadra Chowk, D-Chowk and Marriott Chowk in connection with the PTI’s long march expected to reach capital on Nov 4, they said, adding that entry at the Red Zone is open from Margalla Road and Khayaban-i-Suhrawardi.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2022