ISLAMABAD: Following the remarks by Courts apropos the legality of political protests and sit-ins in a democracy, PTI Government had allowed the Azadi March here as long as the manifestation remains peaceful.
According to the statement issued by PM’s Office:“It was decided that the Government, with its firm belief in upholding democratic ideals, would allow the proposed Azadi March, if it takes place within the ambit of law and the Constitution as interpreted in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Islamabad High Court.”
While the PM Office maintained that the Imran Khan believed in democracy and the protesters would be able to manifest as long as the everyday life of citizens was not adversely affected, as outlined by past judgments of the SC and IHC.
It is pertinent to mention here that while PM Office was issuing its note apropos grant of Azadi March permission, Islamabad police was issuing riot gear and mobilizing containers to cordon off sensitive areas of the capital city to prevent protesters from marching on to the Red Zone.
A relevant post published earlier:
Azadi Marchers asked to carry 5-day ration
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) has instructed the participants of Azadi March, scheduled to commence on 27th of this month, and Dharna (Sit-in) to be staged here from 31st of Oct, to carry rations for 5 days.
Prohibiting carrying of weapons, knives, batons etc. JUI-F has directed its workers to come prepared for atleast one-week-long sit-in and bring with them two sets of clothing, blankets, bedsheets, umbrellas, mobile phone chargers, water bottles, dry fruits etc.
Since would-be marchers have been asked to carry their NIC with them, it seems no less than 18-year-old is joining the Azadi March and Sit-in. Moreover, the instructions regarding bringing a copy of Holy Quran and course books – “to avoid wastage of time” – manifests that JUI-F is all set to mobilise pupils studying its Madrassas all over the country.
A senior journalist, who has reported religious parties (mazhabi jamatain) for two decades, insinuated that JUI-F followers were hundred percent Pathans. If that is the case than the Azadi March will be an all-Pathan anti-PTI-government march if other parties, particularly PPP-P and PML-N fails to show-up.
Marchers have been instructed to remain peaceful and ask their co-marchers to remain peaceful. The would-be marchers have been directed not to cause damage to and public or private property during the march.
While arrangement of (one-way) transport has been asked for, in order to remove obstacles placed by government to stop the marchers, each district-level group of marchers are asked to move with a crane and an ambulance to provide medical assistance if needed.
News Pakistan
