ISLAMABAD: The district administration has barred the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from holding a political gathering in the federal capital on March 30, citing security concerns and ‘broken promises’.

The PTI had approached the capital administration for permission but after no response, it approached the Islamabad High Court, which asked the admin to decide the case in two days.

In response to the plea, the PTI was informed that after seeking input from the Intelligence Bureau, Special Branch, and Islamabad police, it was decided that approval could not be granted due to the unavailability of police. The PTI has been informed that it violated its affidavits and promises in the past.

“...It is stated that section 144 CrPC is imposed on all kind of public gatherings in the federal capital by this office,” an additional district magistrate informed Mr Mughal through written response.

“The IHC observed that political parties are expected to strictly comply with the regulations and restrictions prescribed in the interest of maintaining public order and maintenance of public order and imposition of reasonable restriction in the context of regulating exercising the right guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution is within the exclusive domain of executive authorities’ vis a vis Article 15 of the Constitution,” the written response stated.

“The instant application has been examined at length in the context of orders passed by the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court, Islamabad. Moreover, it is imperative to mention here that views/comments received from the Intelligence Bureau, Special Branch, Islamabad and Islamabad police on the subject matter were discussed in the district intelligence committee (DIC) meeting dated March 22. It has been informed in the DIC meeting about the existence of security threats to all kinds of public gatherings in Islamabad in the wake of the volatile situation at the western border and overall security situation in the country,” it stated.

“It has also been deliberated that in view of anticipated terrorist activities by banned organisations, the security landscape has been vulnerable and it is impacting the law and order situation negatively,” the response said while referring to the security duty on account of Ramazan.

“Islamabad police is heavily engaged in security duties Youm-i-Ali, Youm-ul-Quds, and daily Iftaar and Taravih duties in Ramazan,” it added.

The admin also reminded the PTI of its past rallies, saying the political party had violated its affidavits in the past.

“It was also observed in the past that the conditions mentioned in previous NOCs (issued to PTI organisers) were violated despite the submission of an affidavit by the organisers. In view of the above, the application for holding a public gathering at Parade Ground, D-Chowk, or Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9), Islamabad is hereby regretted,” the response concluded.

The PTI, however, decided to approach the IHC again against the decision, which was termed by its leader Aamir Mughal, “biased”.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024