ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Friday allowed the PTI to hold a public gathering on June 8 at an open space near Rawat, instead of F-9 Park as requested, subject to terms and conditions to be followed by the party.
Officials of the capital administration said the PTI had filed an application seeking permission for the gathering in the park. Over the application, comments/views were sought from the SSP (operations), Intelligence Bureau and the Special Branch.
In reply, the law enforcement agencies reported that due to the prevailing security situation in the capital and on the basis of the past conduct of the political party, permission for holding a public gathering at F-9 Park Islamabad may not be granted, said the officers.
The request was also examined by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) at a meeting wherein all the members unanimously agreed that this kind of public gathering in the heart of capital territory by any political party should be avoided.
The directions of the Supreme Court in a constitutional petition of 2022 were also perused wherein the apex court had directed that a mechanism may be worked out with political parties as regard to holding of rallies and days and venues.
The Islamabad High Court in 2022 had also observed that political parties were expected to strictly comply with the regulations and restrictions prescribed to maintain public order. The imposition of reasonable restrictions in the context of regulating the right guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution was within the exclusive domain of the executive authorities.
“Keeping in view the fundamental right of the applicant and in the light of the directions contained in the Writ Petition No 1026/2024, drawing a balance to overall security risk in the capital the application for holding of public gathering on June 8, 2024 at an open space near Rawat, Islamabad is hereby allowed subject to following terms and conditions,” an order issued by the office of the deputy commissioner Islamabad stated.
“The gathering shall not disturb or disrupt the fundamental rights of citizens of Islamabad and adjoining areas, Right to Freedom of movement (Article 15), Right to Freedom of Trade and Business (Article 18), Right to Education (Article 25-A) hence no roads shall be blocked. The gathering shall start at 4pm and end at 7pm on June 8, 2024 and it will be organisers duty to ensure the dispersal after the close of event.”
No object of lethal or non-lethal force including batons of any size would be wielded by any participant of the gathering nor shall any participant shall indulge in violence or clashes. In case of any such incidence of clashes/violence, the organisers shall be held responsible.
“The permission is for a public gathering, and permission for sit-in is not granted. Organizers are bound to ensure that the participants do not spend the night or subsequent nights there and are dispersed peacefully. The organisers hereby are made responsible for conduct of all participants of the gathering.”
The order said that the organisers 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.
The organisers shall take responsibility that the participants shall not illegally move beyond the identified boundary of the venue. The organisers shall be responsible for any violation of this and resultant consequences.
The order added: “Anti-state, anti-religious, or anti-ideology of Pakistan slogans or speeches shall not be made, effigy/flag of any political or religious party shall not be burnt, weapons/firearms of any kind shall not be taken at/near the venue of the gathering. The use of decks/speakers shall comply with the provisions of West Pakistan Amplifier Ordinance 1965.”
The traffic management and vehicle parking plans of police shall be adhered to by the organisers/participants and smooth traffic flow for the residents of the capital shall not be obstructed.
For safety of the general public and maintenance of law and order at the venue, the police and LEA shall not be obstructed to check/search of any vehicle/person coming to attend the gathering anywhere in the capital territory.
The organisers shall be responsible for any human injury/health issue caused inside the venue due to internal arrangements.
A list of people to be allowed on stage shall be provided to the ICT administration at least 12 hours in advance.
No infants/children under the age of 18 years shall be allowed at the venue and the organisers take responsibility on this account except with their lawful guardians. Welfare and safety of infants shall be the responsibility of the guardians.
