Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday postponed its public rally in Islamabad’s Tarnol Chowk and rescheduled it for September 8.
According to sources, the decision was finalised after senior PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Barrister Gohar Khan and Azam Swati, met with PTI Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Speaking to newsmen following the meeting, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said that the notification about postponement of the rally had been issued and it would now be held on September 8, as per instruction of PTI founder Imran Khan.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub also confirmed date for the rally was changed on instruction of Imran Khan.
“We have received information that the government is conspiring to spread anarchy, under the cover of the jalsa,” Ayub said.
After the announcement of postponing the public gathering and a new date for the rally, the Islamabad administration issued a notification granting it permission in this regard.
“The Islamabad administration revoked the NOC due to protests of the religious parties. The administration would provide security for the September 8 gathering,” it said.
However, the notification warned that fundamental rights of the citizens should not be violated by the participants of the rally. People should gather at 4pm and the event should be concluded by 7pm.
The notification added that it will be the jalsa organiser’s duty to disperse the party workers at the end of the rally and they will not be allowed to stay at the public gathering site on September 8.
The notification further said that the permission is granted for public gathering and not for a sit-in.
“No object of lethal or non-lethal force including batons of any size would be wielded by any participant of the gathering nor any participant shall indulge in violence or clashes. In case of any such incidence of clashes/ violence the organisers shall be held responsible.
“Organisers are bound to ensure that the participants do not spend the night or subsequent nights there and are dispersed peacefully,” it maintained.
Earlier, the PTI had decided to go ahead with its march towards Tarnol Chowk despite Islamabad district administration’s decision not to grant permission to the PTI to hold its rally.
On the other hand, security has been intensified in twin cities while containers have been placed all around the Red Zone, blocking access to key routes.
The police sealed multiple key arteries, particularly entry and exit points of the federal capital city.
Police sealed major thoroughfares leading to Islamabad through Faizabad, the Double Road and Chongi No 26 bus stop as well.
Metro Bus service has also been suspended in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while a heavy contingent of police has been deployed on the alternative routes for the public’s facilitation and security.
Amid tightened security, Islamabad administration declared holiday for schools in city.