PML-N govt decides to stop PTI's long march after cop dies in raid

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Amid rising pressure from the PTI for early elections and the government's decision to stay put, the PML-N government has decided to stop Imran Khan's Azadi March in Islamabad.

The decision came during PML-N's political committee meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair hours after a cop lost his life during a raid at the house of a PTI leader.

With security beefed up in the federal capital and a crackdown against PTI members across the country last night, all eyes were on PTI's long march to Islamabad announced by PTI Chairman Imran Khan earlier as part of the party's anti-government campaign seeking early elections.

Consultations over the existing political situation in the country and ways to tackle PTI's long march were discussed in today's meeting.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah gave a briefing on the law and order situation and measures to ensure peace and security.

It was agreed that the "public's security" must be ensured, Geo News reported, citing sources.

"Such tactics are equal to ruining the economy," PM Shehbaz Sharif was reported as saying in reference to the long march while addressing the meeting.

The prime minister further stated that the state’s writ will not be compromised at any cost and the way to every illegal action will be blocked.

The meeting decided to take legal action in case of any violent or provocative act.

The interior minister will brief the media over the strategy to stop the march in a press conference shortly.

All chief secretaries, IGs and other relevant officials will be taken on board over video and the district and provincial administrations will be given instructions on how to restrict the PTI from marching towards the federal capital.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Khurram Dastageer and Riaz Tarar attended the meeting.

'Govt to defend state's writ'

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Imran Khan is ready to attack Islamabad with the government's resources after losing the constitutional war in the Centre.

He said that the federal government will fully defend the state's writ.

"Imran Khan's personal agenda will not be allowed to be successful," Asif said.

The state of war in the federal and provincial governments and threats to the country's integrity will be dealt with an iron fist, he added.

GEO

 

[Hermoine Green]

And what has been stated in the FIR? Lemme show you.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">پولیس اہلکار کی ہلاکت افسوسناک لیکن FIR کا متن دیکھے جس میں جھوٹا وقوعہ لکھا ہےسرچ آپریشن کرایہ داری کے لئے پولیس میجر ریٹائرڈ سجاد کے گھر گئی<br>کیا پورے پنجاب میں بغیر وارنٹ چادر اور چار دیواری کا تقدس پامال کرکے چوروں کیطرح لوگوں کے گھروں میں ایک ہی رات کرایہ داری سرچ آپریشن تھا؟ <a href="https://t.co/4Wvvxx5zSz">pic.twitter.com/4Wvvxx5zSz</a></p>— Farrukh Habib (@FarrukhHabibISF) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarrukhHabibISF/status/1528991751607828480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Hermoine Green]

Unlawfully 144 has been imposed in Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad just to stop the long march.

 

[DRsohail]

The more they do such thing the more will be public anger. Would not work, PDM has to go home peacefully .

 

[Hermoine Green]

Section 144 Imposed
Punjab , Karachi , Sindh , Islamabad

Rangers’ Deployment requested in Punjab

Islamabad

Red Zone is sealed

8,000 Punjab Constabulary
2,000 Anti-Riot Unit
6000 Police
4,000 Rangers
500 containers

 

[Major]

Pathetic stuff by PTI. Not a single PTI fan boy is gonna comment on this.

Despicable stuff by PTI who had this guy killed.

Imran Khan should be arrested for this death and be hanged to death.

I hope the whole PTI party burns to the ground after this event. To hell with their stupid march on 25th may

 

[Hermoine Green]

How a person jumped at this thread with in minutes. But he dont have balls to check another thread

Thats the leve of Goons supporters. And reading his comment, its pretty clear that he is touching the lowest level of desperation same like his goons masters.

 

[MenInG]

Pathetic stuff by PTI. Not a single PTI fan boy is gonna comment on this.

Despicable stuff by PTI who had this guy killed.

Imran Khan should be arrested for this death and be hanged to death.

I hope the whole PTI party burns to the ground after this event. To hell with their stupid march on 25th may

Think you made up this post before that.

Read the FIR and think carefully why PTI would want to do this?

What will happen now is going to be more damaging.

 

[Major]

Think you made up this post before that.

Read the FIR and think carefully why PTI would want to do this?

What will happen now is going to be more damaging.

did they or did they not kill a cop?

 

[MenInG]

PTI Chairman Imran Khan is addressing a news conference today, in which he pilloried the government and described its recent moves as "akin to what dictators do" after the government said it would not allow his party's march on the capital tomorrow.

His speech comes a day after a police crackdown on his party workers, in which a number of workers were allegedly rounded up. A policeman was also martyred the same night in an operation in Lahore. The government and the PTI blame each other for the killing.

At the outset of his press conference, which came moments after the government announced it would not allow the PTI to stage its long march, lashed out at the government and said that 60 per cent of its ministers were currently out on bail while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was facing corruption cases.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

did they or did they not kill a cop?

Are you saying - Did the PTI as an organization kill a policeman?

 

[Major]

Are you saying - Did the PTI as an organization kill a policeman?

If this was rana sanaullah or anyone from the pmln party we wouldnt be looking at this case from individual perspective but from party perspective

 

[bones]

If this was rana sanaullah or anyone from the pmln party we wouldnt be looking at this case from individual perspective but from party perspective

As usual you dodged the question.

 

[Extra_Cover]

This march is now going to turn into a revolution, I pray this is not red revolution.

People are with Imran and they will certainly take to street with him tomorrow. Goons in power will stoop as low as they can go so this is not going to be pretty.

 

[Bewal Express]

Pathetic stuff by PTI. Not a single PTI fan boy is gonna comment on this.

Despicable stuff by PTI who had this guy killed.

Imran Khan should be arrested for this death and be hanged to death.

I hope the whole PTI party burns to the ground after this event. To hell with their stupid march on 25th may

Any comment on the FIR, is it a lie or are you lying. Fascist thugs supported by America

 

[transparent opacity]

IHC approached against roadblocks prior to PTI's long march

ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday requesting the court to direct authorities to unblock roads and highways and not hinder the movement of citizens.

The petition, filed by IHCBA President Shoaib Shaheen, contended that the association firmly believed in the supremacy of the Constitution and has always strived to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan and the Rule of Law.

The lawyers' association's request comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for a long march to Islamabad on May 25 (tomorrow).

The petition stated that roads and highways being blocked by different institutions and executive authorities prevented “learned advocates, citizens of Pakistan including ambulances, and doctors” from reaching their destinations.

It further said that advocates were stuck on roads for long periods of time and were unable to approach the high court, depriving them of their fundamental rights as Pakistani citizens and hindering access to justice.

“Freedom of movement is the fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan and all the Executive authorities, state agencies, state institutions and the Government of Pakistan and all the Provinces as well as the public functionaries are bound to obey the Constitution and exercise their powers within the four corners of the provisions of the Constitution,” the petition stated.

It detailed that all protestors were bound to not disturb or violate the fundamental rights of the other citizens and to abide by the provisions of the Constitution and law and not create disruption.

“It has also been reported in the Press and the Electronic Media that the citizens of Pakistan including advocates, parliamentarians and suspected protestors as well as the workers of one political party are being arrested, harassed without any reasonable and lawful justification and violating the fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan, which is illegal, unlawful, contrary to the provisions of the Constitution,” the petition said.

It contended that the instant Constitution Petition had been filed for the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan because the instant matter relates to the issue of public importance involving fundamental rights.

The Constitution petition was filed under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution.

Relevant authorities have blocked roads and highways due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march across the country.

Section 144 imposed in Punjab

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar announced that the government, in consensus with all its allies, has collectively decided to impose Section 144 in Punjab "immediately".

Tarar announced in a press conference that the decision was being taken considering reports that "weapons were being collected with the intention to instigate violence and chaos in the streets".

After the imposition of the law, all types of public gatherings exceeding four persons will be banned in the province.

During the presser, it was stated that attempts to disrupt peace were part of a thought-out scheme to wreak havoc in the country and instigate violence.

The PML-N leader added that it was clear to the government now that the PTI wishes to hold a "bloody march".

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2358121/ihc-approached-against-roadblocks-prior-to-ptis-long-march

 

[silentkiller187]

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has fixed a hearing tomorrow for the Islamabad High Court Bar Association’s (IHCBA)petition against the government’s decision to block roads and raid houses of PTI members ahead of the party's "Azadi March".

A three-member bench, headed by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, will hear the case.

The IHCBA, in its petition, told the court that the blockage of roads and highways by different state institutions and executive authorities was “preventing” advocates, citizens, including ambulances and doctors, from reaching their destinations.

The association, in its petition, stated that the lawyers were also stuck on the highways and roads for a long period which made them “unable to approach” the Supreme Court, thus, depriving citizens of their fundamental rights and hindering “access to justice".

“The freedom of movement is the fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan and all the executive authorities, state agencies, state institutions, and the government and all the provinces and as well as the public functionaries are bound to obey the Constitution and exercise their powers within the four corners of the provisions of the Constitution and law,” read the petition.

The lawyers’ body also cited press reports that stated that lawyers, parliamentarians, and workers of one political party were being arrested and harassed without any reasonable and lawful justification. It stated that the violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens was “illegal, unlawful, and contrary to the provisions of the Constitution”.

The petitioners told the court that their plea has been filed for the “protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution”.

The IHCBA has appealed to the apex court to direct the government to “unblock the roads and highways and not to create hindrance in the movements of the citizens”.

It also asked the Supreme court to direct the government to restrain from taking “any unconstitutional and illegal action or harass the citizens”.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered police and the administration to stop harassing PTI leaders and workers following a crackdown by the Punjab police last night.

During a hearing on PTI’s petition against the ongoing countrywide crackdown and detentions of its activists ahead of its Azadi March, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that the court cannot issue orders on the basis of mere concerns or fear.

The IHC heard the case after raids at the residences of the PTI leaders in multiple cities, including Karachi and Lahore where, according to the PTI, hundreds of its workers were detained across the country. A police constable also lost his life during a raid at a PTI leader's house in Lahore.

During the course of the proceedings, the IHC CJ remarked: “Even in a law and order situation, the rules laid down by the SC should be followed.”

At the outset of today’s hearing, Ali Zafar, PTI’s counsel, apprised the court that the government has launched a crackdown against the party since they filed the petition in court.

“It is a classic case of violation of fundamental rights,” argued Ali Zafar.

He said the rules set by the SC are not being followed.

At this, Justice Minallah remarked, “The SC has set rules in [the Faizabad] sit-in case and it should be followed.” He added the court can say that the SC’s judgment should be followed.

Moving on to PTI's Azadi March towards the federal capital, the judge said that they cannot give a blanket order as there are sensitive installations and embassies in the capital.

When the hearing resumed after a short break, Barrister Ali Zafar requested the court to restrict arrests related to PTI's long march under its own authority.

At this, Justice Minallah inquired if the party has submitted a request to the district administration.

Replying to the query, Barrister Zafar said that they had submitted a request to the district magistrate for the rally on May 25.

While restricting the authorities from harassing the PTI workers, the court issued notices to the Islamabad inspector-general of police, chief commissioner and deputy commissioner.

The IHC adjourned the hearing till May 27.

PTI also moves LHC
Meanwhile, the PTI also moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the expected torture of the participants of the long march and detentions of its workers.

At the outset of today’s hearing in LHC, the petitioner’s counsel apprised the court that police raids were conducted to stop the party’s long march.

At this, Justice Chauhdry Abdul Aziz remarked: “The same has been happening in the PTI government. What do you want?”

He said the PTI took the same action against TLP, PML-N and JUI-F. The judge said that whenever a party comes into power, it starts such action against others.

The PTI’s lawyer requested the court to issue an order to remove all the obstacles placed on the route of their long march. The counsel also requested the court to order the government to stop police action against the party workers and for illegal cases to not be registered against the activists.

Meanwhile, the judge sought reports from the Punjab IG and chief secretary and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.

GEO

 

[DRsohail]

How a person jumped at this thread with in minutes. But he dont have balls to check another thread

Thats the leve of Goons supporters. And reading his comment, its pretty clear that he is touching the lowest level of desperation same like his goons masters.

hahahhah He thinks everything will happen per his desires but one should know that Pakistan does not belongs to thugs and criminals who uses police for their political gains.

 

[mazkhan]

Imran needs to stop sitting on the fence take inspiration from rasoolullah saw and sahaba and incite the armed struggle.

The nation will be on the front line with him with bare chest to take bullets.


If modern inspiration is needed he needs to follow fidel castro and the cuban revolution the country needs to overthrow the military dictatorship and end the military , these pmln ppp are small time crooks and just a sideshow by their masters the military just a bunch of ants mosquitoes you need the head of the snake and that is the military which is a colonial institution handed down by the British and basically modus operandi to impose western slavery and modern day economic blackmail via their banking institutions. our military is the conduit because they have long sold their souls and the founding fathers were English men first army chief was Frank messervy and then Douglas Gracey which was then handed down to their agent and blue eyed boy ayub khan .

 

[Major]

hahahhah He thinks everything will happen per his desires but one should know that Pakistan does not belongs to thugs and criminals who uses police for their political gains.

Imran khan dis get removed wasnt he? Now the cop killing party can deaperately do anything they want.

Hopefully, violaters of the laws are jailed including any poster involved in breaking the laws of the country

 

[Major]

They didn't kill anyone you loser. Look at the FIR and even a immoral people like you realises that your thugs are attacking people in their houses without warrants. If you want to talk about killers ask the families of Jokhio and Memon you hypocrite. Planned executions by the PPP

Yes they did, your party member killed a police constable
You actually fund these killers by giving them money. Your hands are as dirty as them....

You can go on calling loser and whatever, but the fact is, your party killed a police constable

 

[MenInG]

Chalees Chors busy doing what they do best.

==

With the clock ticking towards PTI’s ‘Azadi March’, the police on Tuesday arrested PTI’s Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Punjab senior leader Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed and other party workers, Geo News reported.

The police continued to raid the houses of the PTI leaders and workers as the government has decided to stop PTI’s “Azadi March” set to begin today (May 25).

Despite the government ban, ex-prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders have vowed to reach Islamabad for the sit-in till the announcement of new elections.

A day earlier, Punjab Police raided the houses of several PTI leaders, including former energy minister Hammad Azhar, Usman Dar, and Babar Awan, while a police constable was also shot dead during a raid in Lahore.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: After deciding not to allow Imran Khan’s ‘Azadi March’ on the capital, the government on Tuesday rounded up over 1,000 PTI leaders and workers in a crackdown designed to derail the party’s plans for a massive power show in Islamabad.

Section 144 was imposed in Lahore, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and Karachi, as well as other major cities in the country, while the Punjab government sought the deployment of Rangers to control the law and order situation.

Punjab Home Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza confirmed that assistance of Rangers personnel had been requisitioned.

Traffic plying between Lahore and the twin cities was also brought to a standstill after all entry and exit points leading towards Islamabad were closed down.

According to the Lahore district administration, no one would be allowed to cross its district boundary and containers and barricades were installed on all major roads including link roads leading toward motorways and GT Road.

The government has also directed transporters not to provide buses, cars and vans to PTI workers.

The Attock Bridge on GT Road has also been closed, while the M1 motorway has been closed near Swabi. Containers have also been placed on the Ravi Toll Plaza, leading to the M2 motorway from Lahore.

According to police sources, 150 freight shipping containers have been placed on road sides to block the roads in Rawalpindi district while 4,000 police from Multan, Lahore, Farooqabad and Sargodha have been called to assist Rawalpindi and Attock police.

Reacting to the government’s arrangements, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari — who was detained and later released on court orders a few days ago — told a ‘Meet the Press’ programme at the National Press Club that PTI never stopped protests and sit-ins while they were in power.

“State machinery is being used to stop people from attending the march. I want to make it clear that the marchers will stand firm if the government uses violence as a tactic to disperse them,” she said.

Workers’ arrests
Official documents seen by Dawn indicated the authorities had prepared a list of around 2,076 PTI workers and office bearers from different areas of the province, who were to be prevented from participating in the long march.

According to an official tally, law enforcement agencies have arrested over 1,200 PTI workers and leaders from different divisions of the province including 149 from Lahore, 93 from Sahiwal, 139 from Faisalabad, 89 from Gujranwala197 from Sargodha, 32 from Bahawalpur, 183 from DG Khan, and 314 from Multan. In addition, 86 PTI workers and local leaders were picked up in Rawalpindi district, most of whom were sent to Adiala Jail.

Separately, following a series of pre-dawn raids by the Karachi police, only MNA Saif ur Rehman Mehsud was arrested from his Sohrab Goth residence while raiding parties returned empty handed from nearly all other places, fanning anger among party ranks.

A police officer told Dawn on condition of anonymity that they had been directed to arrest PTI workers, MPAs, MNAs and office bearers.

He said every district police officer had been directed to stop PTI in their respective jurisdictions. “We have also been directed to conduct raids on houses and impound vehicles bearing pro-PTI slogans or flag and stickers,” he said.

Police are currently said to be seeking detention orders from the deputy commissioners of their respective areas so they could hold these people for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, under which police can detain these individuals for up to 90 days.

Punjab government spokesperson Ataullah Tarar rejected reports of the arrest of over 1,200 PTI workers in the province and told Dawn that around 250 workers and leaders of PTI were taken into custody for violating section 144 imposed by the government.

It was learned that police also conducted raids in Murree, Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Taxila and Rawalpindi to detain a number of PTI workers and activists. However, most of the party’s top leaders have so far avoided arrest by going into hiding.

PTI Islamabad President Ali Nawaz Awan told Dawn that police was arresting party workers and harassing them in violation of orders of Islamabad High Court (IHC).

“According to our estimates, 1,100 houses have been raided and around 500 workers have been arrested to discourage people from attending the march,” he said.

Policeman killed
During the crackdown against PTI activists on the Monday night-Tuesday morning, a constable was shot dead, allegedly by a PTI supporter, when a police party raided their house in Model Town.

According to reports, when a police team reached the home of Maj retired Sajid Hussain in Model Town, his son opened fire at them from the roof.

Constable Kamal Ahmad consequently suffered a bullet wound in the chest, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, he did not survive. Police have registered a case and arrested Mr Hussain and his son.

On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz attended the funeral of the slain policeman at Police Lines, Qila Gujjar Singh.

Mohammad Asghar, Imran Ayub and Ikram Junaidi also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2022

 

[MenInG]

Can the stop this?

 

[Arsal_AK]

People have lost their minds.

Pathetic stuff by PTI. Not a single PTI fan boy is gonna comment on this.

Despicable stuff by PTI who had this guy killed.

Imran Khan should be arrested for this death and be hanged to death.

I hope the whole PTI party burns to the ground after this event. To hell with their stupid march on 25th may

Major, you are a good poster but when it comes to PTI and Imran, I feel you lose it completely. Take a step back and think this through.

Imran needs to stop sitting on the fence take inspiration from rasoolullah saw and sahaba and incite the armed struggle.

The nation will be on the front line with him with bare chest to take bullets.


If modern inspiration is needed he needs to follow fidel castro and the cuban revolution the country needs to overthrow the military dictatorship and end the military , these pmln ppp are small time crooks and just a sideshow by their masters the military just a bunch of ants mosquitoes you need the head of the snake and that is the military which is a colonial institution handed down by the British and basically modus operandi to impose western slavery and modern day economic blackmail via their banking institutions. our military is the conduit because they have long sold their souls and the founding fathers were English men first army chief was Frank messervy and then Douglas Gracey which was then handed down to their agent and blue eyed boy ayub khan .

What a deranged post. Imran if he is sane (I doubt it though), he will do no such thing. We can't afford the resulting anarchy that will follow. We simply cant and if even if we did, it won't work. It never does.
The way to change, proper and lasting change is always through peaceful means, education, legislation and putting in the painful work.

We will move forward only when our obsession as a nation with some sort of saviour, singlehandedly saving us from everything, will end. It won't work, it simply cant. Be that saviour be Imran for PTI, or Nawaz for PMLN, Bilawal for PPP or the army cheif for the military and their fans. We as a nation have to put in the work and improve our policies, our institutions, our laws. That is what will save us.

Also need I remind you that PTI came to power through the backing of the same establishment that you are calling other parties to pawns of. PTI is no different than the rest.
The whole anger PTI has at the military is not because they interfere, it's because they interfered on behave of the wrong side. PTI was all good turning a blind eye throughout there government to what was going on.

Yes they did, your party member killed a police constable
You actually fund these killers by giving them money. Your hands are as dirty as them....

You can go on calling loser and whatever, but the fact is, your party killed a police constable

First, a death of anyone is a horrible thing and especially a death that was so avoidable. It's barbaric and should be condemned.


Now, I am curious, how did PTI as an entity get the poor guy killed? Did they ask their supporters or followers to target the officer?

If anything it's on the government. They forced an innocent police officer to do the unlawful thing. Let's call a spade a spade shall we?
You do know that if they had an actual warrant for search, this situation would have been totally different.

Also you don't get to take the moral high ground by calling when PMLN and PPP both have active criminal wings and have been without a shadow of a doubt involved in murder of so many people throughout the years.

 

[bones]

When will leaders learn when you have an angry population you must listen and help them. Suppression just leads the anger towards rage. During the jalsa period people were angry and in many cases furious. But after yesterday the population is full of rage.

A population like this against even the largest establishment (army, police and rangers etc) - the population will ALWAYS win.

 

[MenInG]

Commuters in the twin cities and in the areas surrounding Islamabad on Wednesday faced hardship and traffic congestion as the incumbent government blocked multiple roads with containers and other barricades in an attempt to curtail the advance of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's long march on to the federal capital.

All routes from Rawalpindi to Islamabad were sealed with containers and routes leading from Rawat Chowk to Islamabad Expressway were closed. Routes on Murree Road were also after various containers were placed.

The Faizabad area was completely sealed from the Express Highway, IJP Road and Murree Road and commuters going to Islamabad faced severe difficulties.

A heavy contingent of Rawalpindi police was also deployed around the blockades.

The Metro bus service and public transport were shut down in Rawalpindi, as were educational institutions, shopping malls and bus stands.

Containers also sealed both sides of the Rawalpindi Sawan Bridge while Rawalpindi to GT road was closed from the seventh bridge.

Simultaneously, in Lahore, a large contingent of police was deployed at Niazi Chowk and at the Ravi bridge. Lahore GT Road was also closed with the use of containers and police personnel stopped dozens of trucks on the road.

The incumbent coalition government on Tuesday decided to bar the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from holding its ‘Azadi March’ to the capital on May 25 (today), raising the alarm that if the “bloody march” is not nipped in the bud, it would “put the survival of the nation at risk”.

In order to pre-empt the anticipated “chaos and disorder”, the government has further imposed a ban on gatherings under Section 144 (power to issue order absolute at once in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The decision to quell the PTI agitation comes amid the government’s anxious measures to shield itself with thousands of security personnel who rolled into the federal capital a day earlier and a slew of arrests and raids on the homes of party leaders. The government has virtually encircled itself with a moat to insulate itself from the marchers.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: With the PTI marching towards the federal capital, the government is reportedly planning to detain party chairman Imran Khan and his associates on their way from Peshawar despite the government's decision to disallow a long march.

The News reported a top security official as saying that the action will be taken in a bid to stop what Imran Khan is saying will be the "biggest procession" in Pakistan's history.

On Tuesday, the government decided to use all its force to foil PTI's 'Azadi March,' with the police continuing its crackdown against PTI workers and officials. Section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, Karachi and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and the roads leading up to the capital city from different parts of the country have been blocked.

Even the Pakistan Army has been called in by the government to help protect Islamabad's Red Zone.

A total of 162 PTI workers have been arrested in Lahore, official sources tell Geo.tv. The arrests have been made after Section 144 was imposed in Punjab.

However, unmoved by any of the curbs, ex-prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders vowed to reach Islamabad for the sit-in till the announcement of new elections.

Sources privy to the matter said that the authorities have discussed the plan of Imran Khan's detention with all its aspects and consequences in meetings with different agencies, and decided to go ahead with the plan using all available resources.

They said the government has no option but to detain them to "stop the carnage the march may cause" though it appears to be an unfeasible task at this point in the political scenario.

Citing the reports of intelligence agencies, the sources said that even the PTI activists will be well-equipped to counter any resistance from the law enforcement agencies. The government agencies are well aware of the situation that in these circumstances, a clash could not be averted, they added.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

The Punjab government on Wednesday claimed that weapons were recovered from the vehicles of PTI's Lahore office bearers – Zubair Niazi and Bajash Niazi – on the day the party launched its "Azadi March".

Zubair Niazi, however, rubbished the allegations, saying this was "fake news" being peddled by the Punjab government, adding that police had not raided his house or checked his vehicles.

Lahore DIG Operations Sohail Chaudhry said the police had received information some days ago about "illegal weapons" being brought to the city. "During the blockades yesterday, we tried to stop five cars on the motorway. Later, in a raid at the homes of PTI Lahore office bearers Zubair Niazi and Bajash Niazi, the weapons were recovered.

"The leaders have been taken into police custody," he said, adding that the police would ensure that the march was held peacefully according to the law.

Similar allegations were made by PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz who tweeted that the Punjab Police had recovered weapons from the vehicles of the two leaders, asserting that this was the "ugly face" of the party's Azadi March.

"Weapons recovered by Punjab Lahore police from vehicles of PTI Lahore office bearers Zubair Niazi and Bajash Niazi. Case registered," she tweeted today morning.

Continuing, she provided details of the weapons which comprise six "223 bore guns, 13 SMG rifles, three pistols, 10 'kopay', 96 magazines of SMG rifles and 223 bore guns, 26 magazines of pistols, 50 boxes of bullets and six bigger packs of bullets".

"This is the ugly face of the so-called Long March," the PML-N leader said, adding that this showed the "intentions" of PTI leaders.

Later, Punjab government spokesperson Ataullah Tarar in a media briefing also said a "large quantity of weapons" was found from the homes of the two PTI workers. "It is now clear this isn't a peaceful march. These people want chaos and anarchy to spread in the country."

He also showed the photographs of the "modern weapons" on display that Maryam posted on Twitter, and listed what was found.

"What was this weaponry gathered for? We have intelligence reports. Look at these weapons. They want to hide there (in Peshawar), and yet they're asking for others' children to [risk their lives] and march."

At the same time, senior journalist Hamid Mir also shared a photo on his Twitter, showing a man, adorning a PTI cap, hiding a rifle behind him. The photo, however, is eight years old and was first shared on Twitter during the 2014 sit-in organised by the party in Islamabad. Several users called out the senior journalist for sharing an old photo, which could be mistaken as the current situation on the ground, in a tense environment.

Zubair rejects allegations
Meanwhile, Zubair, in a video with PTI supporters today, categorically rejected Maryam and Chaudhry's claims, saying that no weapons were recovered from his house or cars.

"This is the same Maryam who used to say she had no property in London. And DIG sahab, don't indulge into this fake news on their (PML-N's) orders," he said. "Since 8:30am, I am out of my house with my tehreekis... This is baseless news.

"No raid was conducted at my house, neither were my cars checked. I haven't even met the police yet," Zubari continued.

"I will soon meet the police at Batti Chowk and then at GT Road. I am recording this statement for the media," he stated, reiterating that the news was baseless.

"Unlike Rana Sanaullah, I don't do or keep heroine, which was found from his car," Zubair said, adding that this was his official statement.

Crackdown and arrests
Meanwhile, police continued with its crackdown on Wednesday with more senior leaders purportedly rounded up as forces shelled PTI supporters at various areas in Lahore – where blockades have been set up to stop them from marching to Islamabad.

An "admin" tweeted from Senator Ejaz Chaudhary's official Twitter that he was arrested after the place he was staying in was "stormed by over 100 policemen — the gate of the house broken — the family at that place harassed and phones taken".

PTI Punjab President Shafqat Mahmood's home was also allegedly raided. He tweeted that the police barged into his house after 11pm last night without a warrant while he was not at home.

"Lahore police continued with its unsuccessful mission last night to arrest me. First they raided my house, then my brothers and in early morning hours, my sisters," he said.

After deciding not to allow Imran Khan’s ‘Azadi March’ on the capital, the government on Tuesday reportedly rounded up over 1,000 PTI leaders and workers in a crackdown designed to derail the party’s plans for a massive power show in Islamabad.

Homes of Punjab PTI leaders such as Hammad Azhar, Usman Dar, Malik Waqar Ahmed, Engineer Kashif Kharal, Mazhar Iqbal Gujjar and others. According to former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, over 400 people were arrested during the late-night police action.

'Intel on PTI's violent plans'
On Tuesday, the coalition government, despite giving permission earlier, decided to stop the PTI march in the capital. At a media briefing, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the government would not allow the PTI to spread "chaos and disorder" in the guise of the march. "They will be stopped so they cannot propagate their misleading agenda."

In another press conference yesterday, Maryam had claimed that the government possessed intel about the PTI's "violent plans", including amassing of tear gas shells, guns, sticks as well as designs to attack law enforcement officials.

"They're openly saying there will be blood so how can you expect the government to give them a free hand? It (the government) has the responsibility of the people. How can we allow you to hurt Pakistan?"

The PML-N vice president added that in her discussions with the prime minister and interior minister, it was decided to "let Imran come", instead of arresting him, to see how long he stays in Islamabad and how much mettle he had.

She further addressed the courts and asked them to not set a tradition where a person abusing the institutions the most gets favourable decisions. "Decide in the people's future and favour and don't look at media or social media [when giving verdicts]," she advised the judiciary.

Separately, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that there would be no compromise on the state's writ.

She said that the long march would be "bloody", adding that intelligence reports suggested the participants of the march would be armed. She said that there would be no compromise when a "bloody march" had been announced, adding that "red lines had been drawn".

Aurangzeb added that the government reserved the right to hold elections. "Do whatever you want, you will not be allowed to spread chaos."

After the government's announcement, the PTI chairman said that nothing could stop him from marching to Islamabad. On Tuesday urged the youth of the country — which he also dubbed the "attack force" — to power through all obstacles placed by the government on their way to Islamabad.

"Our attack force, comprising all of you, will be responsible to remove all impediments when we begin our march tomorrow," Imran told the gathering of the PTI's youth wing.

State flexes muscles to curb PTI power show
Meanwhile, section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and Karachi, as well as other major cities in the country, while the Punjab government sought the deployment of Rangers to control the law and order situation.

Punjab Home Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza confirmed to Dawn that assistance of Rangers personnel had been requisitioned.

Traffic plying between Lahore and the twin cities was also brought to a standstill after all entry and exit points leading towards Islamabad were closed down.

According to the Lahore district administration, no one would be allowed to cross its district boundary and containers and barricades were installed on all major roads including link roads leading toward motorways and GT Road.

The government has also directed transporters not to provide buses, cars and vans to PTI workers.

The Attock Bridge on GT Road has also been closed, while the M1 motorway has been closed near Swabi. Containers have also been placed on the Ravi Toll Plaza, leading to the M2 motorway from Lahore.

According to police sources, 150 freight shipping containers have been placed on road sides to block the roads in Rawalpindi district while 4,000 police from Multan, Lahore, Farooqabad and Sargodha have been called to assist Rawalpindi and Attock police.

Dawn

 

[silentkiller187]

After several hours of political drama and chaos across Pakistan in the wake of PTI’s much-anticipated ‘Azadi March’, the federal government reached an agreement with the party to stop further havoc in the country after initially disallowing the march, Geo News reported.

Following the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the two sides have agreed on PTI holding a jalsa instead of a long march, Geo News reported. Talks between the government and PTI continued for two-and-half hours.

However, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb says no agreement has been reached between the federal government and PTI. She said news of negotiations and an agreement between the government and PTI is "baseless"


Political tensions are at an all-time high in Pakistan with all eyes on Islamabad as the city braced itself for the arrival of PTI workers and leaders heading towards the federal capital for the party’s Azadi March despite the government's instructions not to.

So far, the day has been filled with political drama. Lahore turned into a battleground as multiple scuffles took place between the police and PTI marchers as the latter tried to wriggle out of the barricades placed on their way.

Law enforcement was on high alert and the government has given instructions to take “all possible measures” to stop the PTI's ‘Azadi March’. PTI Chairman Imran Khan is leading the march, which he has said will be the “biggest” in Pakistan’s political history, while Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah will address the public shortly over the ongoing situation.

Police attempt to nab Hammad Azhar
In order to restrain Lahore’s rally from entering Islamabad, the police tried to arrest former energy minister and senior PTI leader Hammad Azhar; however, party workers managed to save him.

Police arrested district president of PTI Ali Asjad Malhi, among other party workers from Sialkot. The authorities managed to disperse the workers with the help of tear gas.

On his Twitter handle, Azhar wrote: "Heavy shelling on our rally near Kala shah kaku. But we will InshAllah overcome this obstacle too."


The PTI leader confirmed that failed attempts were being made for his arrest. He also reported that the police have abused the workers and hundreds of shells have been fired.

Keep routes to hospitals open: interior minister
Amid the ongoing clashes in the federal capital, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah directed the Islamabad police and administration to allow all government employees on duty to enter the federal capital. Meanwhile, he said media persons shouldn’t be stopped and routes heading towards hospitals should remain open.

In a statement, the interior minister said that the government will not tolerate terrorism in the guise of politics as police seized a huge cache of weapons from the residence of PTI leader in the provincial capital of Punjab ahead of their long march.

“The seizure of heavy arms and ammunition from the houses of PTI officials is evidence of a bloody march”, the federal minister said.

The federal minister said that the PTI general secretary's house is a depot of ammunition and the discovery of arms from the homes of PTI officials is proof of a bloody march. The nation has seen that from where did the bullet came which killed innocent police personnel.

"The constitution and the law will be strictly enforced and those who will take the law into their hands will be dealt strictly," he warned.

Meanwhile, after various attempts to arrest PTI leaders, Lahore police briefly detained Yasmeen Rashid and Andaleeb Abbasi. Both leaders were taken into custody as PTI workers tried to stop the law enforcers. They were, however, later released.

Police, PTI marchers clash in Lahore

At Lahore’s Batti Chowk, the police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse PTI workers when they removed barriers placed to block the routes.

The PTI’s Lahore chapter had asked its workers to gather at the Batti Chowk today from where they were to depart for Islamabad.

The party workers gathered at the intersection and clashed with the police when they removed barriers after which the police fired tear gas shells in order to clear the area.

Arrests so far
The police have so far arrested more than 10 PTI workers from Batti Chowk; meanwhile, police confirmed that some marchers have also been arrested from the Srinagar Highway. PTI workers have also been arrested from D-Chowk.

A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, told Geo.tv, on condition of anonymity, 212 PTI workers arrested so far in Lahore.

In a press conference, DIG Operations Lahore Sohail Chaudhry said that in the last few days the police had information that weapons were being brought to Lahore, which could be used to disturb the peace.

The senior cop said the police chased five cars near the motorway and then raided the home of Zubair Niazi, the PTI general secretary in Lahore. “At his home we found weapons. It seems apparent they were planning to use these weapons in the march,” he adds.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a total of nine PTI workers from Numaish Chowrangi, including three women.

Police attack Yasmeen Rashid’s car

The police attacked former health minister Yasmeen Rashid’s car, breaking her windscreen in an attempt to stop her from moving forward.

According to footage circulating on social media, the police used batons to stop her; however, the car continued to move ahead despite losing balance.

Earlier, the police had encircled her car when a PTI supporter came forward and verbally abused the officials. Meanwhile, Yasmeen tried stopping the police from taking away her car keys.

Meanwhile, Rashid in a statement, confirmed that the windshield of her vehicle was broken by the police. She said that she faced difficulty in leaving the area, but is now on the way to Islamabad.

"This government has lost its senses. I am an 80-year-old woman. Why are they threatening of me? How is stopping a peaceful protest democratic?" she questioned.

Rashid added that despite everything, the enthusiasm of the workers was better than ever.

Imran Khan reaches Wali interchange

The PTI chairman, meanwhile, has announced to lead the march from Wali interchange, where he landed in a helicopter. In a video message recorded before leaving the former prime minister said: “This is a decisive moment for Pakistan.”

Urging the people to join him in the ‘Azadi March’ he assured his supporters that PTI will snatch its freedom.

Khan urged people to carry Pakistan flag along with them as this is the fight for “real freedom.”

Govt reportedly plans to detain Imran Khan
The federal government is reportedly planning to detain the party chairman Imran Khan and his associates on their way from Peshawar despite the government's decision to disallow a long march.

The News reported a top security official as saying that the action will be taken in a bid to stop what Imran Khan is saying will be the "biggest procession" in Pakistan's history.

On Tuesday, the government decided to use all its force to foil PTI's 'Azadi March,' with the police continuing its crackdown against PTI workers and officials. Section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, Karachi and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and the roads leading up to the capital city from different parts of the country have been blocked.

Islamabad braces for closure

The local authorities have barricaded all entry points into Islamabad with heavy shipping containers to obstruct the way of PTI marchers.

The barricades have been placed for two primary tasks: first to contain the long march and second to ensure fool-proof security of the Red Zone. All the roads leading to Red Zone have been sealed, except Margalla Road. Containers have also been placed at D-Chowk to seal the area around the Old Parade Ground and Parliamentary Lodges.

Thousands of policemen, including the Anti-Riot Unit, Counter-Terrorism Force, Anti-Terrorism Force, and police reserve along with contingents from Rangers are being deployed to maintain the law and order situation in the city.

GT Road, Motorway blocked to stop long march
Meanwhile, barriers have been erected at several points on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road and Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway as well. The authorities have blocked all the land routes between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by putting huge piles of mud, containers, ballast stones, cement blocks and iron barriers and fences at many places.

Heavy contingents of the personnel of stick-wielding police force and Rangers have also been deputed at GT Road and Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway to stop the way of PTI workers towards Islamabad.

Roads blocked in Karachi
Meanwhile, PTI supporters from Karachi are expected to stage demonstrations at Numaish Chowrangi; however, according to the police, preparations have been completed to stop them.

Two prisoner vans have been kept on standby in case of possible arrests. While lady cops have also reached the site.

According to traffic police, MA Jinnah road and its adjoining areas have been blocked. Amid roads that have been blocked include:

The road leading toward People’s Chowrangi from Numaish Chowarnagi
Corridor 3 New Preedy Street from Saddar Dawakhana road leading towards People Chowrangi
Nizami Road (heading from Lines areas to Numaish Chowarngi ) has also been blocked
Road leading towards Numaish Chowrangi from Capri Cinema has been closed; traffic is being directed toward Soldier Bazar.
Traffic heading from Society Signal toward Numaish Chowrangi is being diverted to Kashmir Road
Islamabad Police issues traffic plan
‘Azadi March’ live updates: After hours-long political drama, govt, PTI reportedly strike an agreement
The traffic police have issued a traffic plan to facilitate the public. According to an official update, entry and exit points to the Red Zone have been closed at Ayub chowk, NADRA chowk, Express chowk, and Serena chowk.

Those who wish to enter or exit the red zone can only use Margalla road.

Ataturk Avenue has been closed from Nazimud Deen T-Cross to Geo Chowk
Nazimud Deen Road has been closed from Zoom petrol pump to Ataturk Avenue
Jinnah Avenue has been blocked from China Chowk to Express Chowk
Murree Road is blocked for both sides of traffic towards Faizabad from Rawalpindi
Islamabad Expressway has been closed for incoming traffic to Islamabad at the Gulburg Green Bridge

https://www.geo.tv/latest/418856-az...islamabad-amid-govt-instructed-road-blockages

 

[MenInG]

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf to seek directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the PTI's demands regarding its Azadi March.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, issued the directives while hearing the petition filed by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Mohammad Shoaib Shaheen a day earlier, seeking the removal of blockades in the capital ahead of the PTI's march.

PTI lawyer Babar Awan appeared on the rostrum when the hearing resumed after a short break around 3pm. He told the court that the party had asked for permission to stage the march on May 23.

Awan called on the court to issue directives to the government. He demanded that the blockades placed on roads be lifted and the arrested PTI workers be released immediately. He assured the court that the party would adhere to its directives.


Justice Ahsan remarked that there was a lack of communication and trust between the government and the PTI.

Awan told the court that Imran had formed a four-member committee for talks with the administration, comprising him, Faisal Chaudhry, Amir Kiyani and Ali Awan. He asked the court to allow the PTI to stage a protest at Srinagar Highway.

"We want to protest where the JUI-F staged a sit-in twice in the past," he said, assuring the court that it would be peaceful and not affect routine life. He also urged the court to intervene against the tear gas shelling by the authorities on the protesters.

The apex court directed the attorney general to seek directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the PTI's demands. The AG should inform the court after an hour after seeking instructions from the PM, the court said.

Justice Ahsan said that the PTI's demands were clear and expressed hope that parties would reach a decision within an hour.

The attorney general said the PM would soon nominate a team for talks with the PTI. "The prime minister wants political matters to be settled outside of court," he said.

Islamabad chief commissioner told to provide alternate site
Earlier today, the apex court directed the Islamabad chief commissioner to provide an alternate site to the PTI to hold its Azadi March by 2:30pm and create a traffic plan for protesters so they could reach it.

"Let them protest and then go home," Justice Ahsan said. "We expect the government to remove barricades." The court directed the interior secretary and police to review their policies on road closures.

Justice Ahsan said the court would also seek assurances from the PTI that the protest would be peaceful, property would not be damaged and there would be no torture or violence.

Earlier today, the court directed the interior secretary, Islamabad's chief commissioner, deputy commissioner, inspector general of police and advocate general to appear in the court at 12pm.

The apex court issued notices to provincial governments as well.

When the hearing resumed after 12pm, Justice Ahsan said the officials, along with the attorney general, should find a solution.

He also directed PTI's lawyer Faisal Chaudhry to "sit at the negotiating table" with the administration officials and gave him time till 2:30pm to get instructions from the party leadership in this regard.

The court also directed authorities to provide complete protection to PTI leaders for the negotiations.

"If the PTI fears arrests, it should provide us with a list. We will protect those who fear arrests," Justice Ahsan said.

He added said political parties had their own interests but they were secondary to the country and the people.

'Permission denied because of security reasons'
Meanwhile, Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf told the Supreme Court that the government did not allow the PTI to hold its Azadi March on Islamabad's Srinagar Highway because there was a "threat" to party chairman Imran Khan's life according to reports from security agencies.

"The permission to gather at Srinagar Highway was denied due to the security situation. Imran Khan's life is in danger as per reports of security agencies. Security agencies have raised fears of a suicide attack on the former prime minister."

However, Justice Ahsan said the AGP was deviating from the original issue and asked whether the police were conducting raids and arresting PTI leaders and workers.

"If the government has a problem [with the march] on Srinagar Highway, why are Lahore and Sargodha and the rest of the country closed?" Justice Ahsan asked, while Justice Akhtar questioned:

"Is the threat to political leadership only on Srinagar Highway?

Justice Naqvi asked the interior secretary whether he was ready to take responsibility for what was happening in the country.

The official responded that law and order was the province's domain at which Justice Naqvi asked whether the interior ministry only served as a post office.

"Has the interior ministry issued any policy directives?" Justice Ahsan asked to which the official replied in the negative. The judge then observed that raiding people's homes was illegal.

"Action is being taken based only on reports from intelligence agencies," the interior secretary said.

Justice Ahsan then directed the official to present a complete plan for holding protests without closure of roads.

Judges question AGP over closures
Earlier during the hearing, Justice Ahsan observed that emergency had been imposed in all hospitals in the capital while schools and transport had been closed.

The country was at a critical juncture economically and on the verge of bankruptcy, he remarked. "Will the country be shut down for every protest?" he asked.

All exams had been postponed, roads blocked and businesses closed, he observed.

Attorney General Ausaf told the court he did not know the details and sought time to get information.

At this, Justice Naqvi observed half of the Supreme Court's staff had been unable to reach the premises because of barricades.

The AGP said the court was perhaps referring to media reports about school closures, which were not always correct.

However, Justice Naqvi observed that notifications had been issued in this regard.

Justice Ahsan said it appeared the government wanted to shut down businesses.

Attorney General Ausaf argued that the PTI had "threatened a bloody march", adding that while he was against blocking roads, "unavoidable" steps had to be taken to protect the lives and properties of citizens.

The context for the blockades should be seen, he contended.

At this point, Justice Naqvi observed that sites had been allocated for protests in the past and the PTI had submitted a request for permission for the march, according to media reports.

The AGP replied that he would find out from the authorities what the decision on that application was.

Meanwhile, IHCBA President Shoaib Shaheen informed the court that police was arresting lawyers from their homes. "A raid was conducted on former judge Nasira Iqbal's home at night. The protesters and the government are both bound to act in accordance with the law and the Constitution."

Justice Naqvi agreed, saying no one had the power to take the law into their own hands.

"How can armed people be allowed to protest?" asked the attorney general. In response, the IHCBA president asked how armed people could be present when the protest had not even started.

"Maulana Fazlur Rehman has twice held a sit-in at Srinagar Highway. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has also held a long march to Islamabad. A site can still be allocated for the [PTI] protesters."

All highways in the country except for those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been closed, he said and added that common people, including lawyers were being harassed.

"People's homes are being [raided] at night. Supreme Court's directives regarding protests are available. The government's steps are unconstitutional," he said, adding that the IHCBA had approached the SC only for ensuring citizens' rights.

When the attorney general requested the court to stop the media from broadcasting Justice Ahsan's remarks about the economy, the judge responded that everyone already knew the situation.

Subsequently, the court directed authorities to submit the record of directives issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) yesterday on a petition against the alleged harassment of PTI workers.

The IHC advised the PTI to follow the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court for holding the long march and also instructed the relevant authorities to do the same to regulate political gatherings in Islamabad.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah did not accept the PTI's request of passing a blanket order against the arrest of its leadership and activists, however, issued directions that they may not be harassed.

Petition
Against the backdrop of PTI's Azadi March, which is reaching Islamabad later today, the petition sought a direction against interior secretary as well as home secretaries of the four provinces to remove hurdles erected on different highways that restricted the movement of citizens and restrain state agencies and institutions from harassing people and taking any unconstitutional and illegal step.

The petition was moved under Article 184(3) of the Constitution after Shoaib Shaheen invited the attention of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial during a routine hearing in courtroom no. 1 towards difficulties being faced by citizens due to roadblocks as well as police raids on residences of lawyers.

At this the court observed that it could not allow anyone to logjam the city and suggested the counsel to move a petition since the court could not initiate suo motu notice on its own for which it had developed certain guidelines.

The petition was then moved which highlighted that the roads and highways were being blocked by different state institutions or executive authorities making it difficult for senior counsel and advocates to reach the courts and also hindered the movement of citizens, ambulances and doctors.

The petitioner contended that freedom of movement was the fundamental right of every citizen and all executive authorities, state agencies and institutions were bound to abide by the Constitution.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Despite Supreme Court’s directives, PTI negotiaters did not manage to hold talks with a government team, scheduled to be held at 10pm on Wednesday night at the Islamabad chief commissioner’s office to ensure the party’s protest remained peaceful.

Speaking at a hurriedly-called news conference, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ayaz Sadiq claimed the PTI had disobeyed the SC order. They also expressed reservations over the SC making it binding upon the government to allow the PTI to enter the federal capital, and then not taking any action against the party for ‘disobeying’ the court’s orders.

“The court which ordered (us) to clear the roads (for the PTI long march) that resulted in fire everywhere in the city, is closed at the moment,” said Law Minister Tarar. Mr Sadiq said it was the need of the hour that the Supreme Court take action over this contempt. JUI-F leader Asad Mehmood and BAP chief Khalid Magsi also urged the PTI to come to the negotiating table.

However, PTI leader Babar Awan on his part claimed he had reached the chief commissioner’s office at exactly 10pm but found no one from the other side there. He said he had then left the venue, as he could not wait for the other team.

Imran denies reports of deal to cancel sit-in

Sources in the capital administration told Dawn the PTI leadership was displeased over the arrests of its leaders, including two who were supposed to be part of the negotiating team.

Form committees

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had ordered the federal government and the PTI to constitute respective negotiating committees and meet at 10pm on Wednesday to finalise modalities for a peaceful and safe conduct of the party’s long march. The committees were to meet at the Islamabad chief commissioner’s office. The order came on a petition moved by Islamabad High Court Bar Association president Muhammad Shoaib Shaheen which was heard by a three-judge bench consisting of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi.

The authorities were also told to release the PTI workers and supporters arrested in the last 48 hours but not involved or accused in any heinous crime. The court also restrained the authorities from midnight raids at residences, offices and private properties for rounding up PTI workers till further orders.

The court will take up the matter again on Thursday.

The PTI negotiating committee consisted of Babar Awan, Aamir Kiani, Faisal Fareed Chaudhry and Ali Awan. Similarly, the government side was represented by former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani, Ayaz Sadiq, Faisal Sabzwari, Asad Mahmood, Azam Nazir Tarar, Agha Jan and Khalid Magsi.

However, the court did not issue any directions for removing roadblocks and barricades despite a request from the PTI counsel.

The court also ordered Babar Awan and Faisal Fareed to get an assurance from the party leadership that their workers will remain peaceful. Mr Awan requested for holding their rally in the ground between sectors H-9 and G-9, which the court ordered the chief commissioner to facilitate.

‘Armed protesters’

Moreover, on the orders of the apex court, the Islamabad High Court asked the district administration to review the cases of detained PTI workers, and ordered to release those not involved in any crime. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah resumed hearing on a petition filed against the harassment of PTI workers and leaders.

The Islamabad deputy commissioner apprised the CJ that the National Counter Terrorism Authority had issued an advisory against an untoward incident, adding there were reports of the protesters being armed.

Read more: Punjab govt says weapons recovered from vehicles of PTI's Lahore workers; party rubbishes claims

To a court query, he said about 70 workers had been arrested under the MPO on reports that they planned to damage government property and vehicles. Further hearing in the matter was adjourned till Thursday (today).

Deal, no deal

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz at a press conference on Thursday. —DawnNewsTV
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz in a press conference in Lahore claimed some PTI leaders met MNA Ayaz Sadiq and presented some demands, which were turned down. She also claimed that “discouraged by a dull march”, the PTI leaders didn’t want to stage a sit-in, which was confirmed by Mr Sadiq in a private TV show.

However, the PTI chief denied Ms Nawaz’s claims, tweeting: “Rumours & deliberate disinformation that a deal has been done. Absolutely not! We are moving towards Islamabad & no question of any deal. We will remain in Islamabad till announcement of dates for dissolution of assemblies & elections are given. Calling all people of Islamabad & Pindi to join.”

PML-N unfazed

On the other hand, PML-N leaders appeared ‘overwhelmed’ with a ‘poor response’ of the masses to the PTI’s long march. The entire party throughout Wednesday tried to establish that the people of Punjab and KP had rejected Imran Khan’s call to protest.

PML-N leaders Maryam Nawaz, Abid Sher Ali, former senator Pervaiz Rashid, Punjab government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar and Punjab Information Secretary Azma Bokhari held a press conference in Lahore, while federal ministers Rana Sanaullah and Marriyum Aurangzeb, Dr Tariq Fazal and Daniyal Aziz spoke separately, but they all voiced the same thing: people had reposed trust in the Sharifs by refusing to join Imran’s protest.

Beleaguered Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz added his two cents through a tweet, asking Mr Khan to explain where were the two million people he had claimed would join the PTI’s long march.

The PTI asked that if the government was so sure of the march’s failure, why it had blocked Punjab, and arrested party leaders and workers in the last three days. Fawad Chaudhry claimed the party workers and leaders faced “police brutality” at every point in Punjab at the behest of the government. “For the last three days the Punjab police have been picking up our workers from their residences… but despite this a huge crowd will reach Islamabad,” he maintained.

In her presser, Maryam Nawaz said: “I thank the people of Punjab and KP for rejecting Imran. He is responsible for those killed and injured in the protest.” She blamed the establishment for making Imran the prime minister, who was now hurling abuses at it.

When asked why she backtracked from her stance about early elections, she said: “Because the economy is on a ventilator. I had earlier thought of getting a fresh mandate to fix the economy. However, when Imran Khan threatened us we decided not to be blackmailed by him. Now the coalition government will complete its tenure.”

DAWN