Tag: Red zone

  • Risk of violence in PTI long march, police tells IHC

    Risk of violence in PTI long march, police tells IHC

    There is a risk of violence during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, the federal police stated in a report submitted to Islamabad High Court (IHC).

    Citing PTI leader Amin Ali Gandapur, the report says, “He has threatened that they [protesters] will gather at Islamabad with arms and persuaded its [PTI] workers to bring their weapons during the long march at Islamabad”.

    Moreover, it stated that some PTI leaders had extended death threats to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and PTI chief Imran Khan has admitted that some of his supporters were armed with pistols during the party’s May 25 march.

    The report alleged PTI workers usually participated in the march on vehicles, motorcycles and cranes and “spread terror amongst the public”.

    The police, in its report, also detailed precautionary measures taken by them ahead of the long march, including ensuring that no procession or activity by a political party was allowed into the Red Zone, the extension of Red Zone, imposition of Section 144 in the capital and a ban on displaying, carrying or bringing firearms in the Red Zone.

    Currently, the PTI is marching toward the capital and has sought approval from the authorities to stage a protest/sit-in there.

  • ‘Apnay qad kay mutabiq baatein karein’: Fawad responds to Sanaullah

    ‘Apnay qad kay mutabiq baatein karein’: Fawad responds to Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march will not be allowed to enter the federal capital under any circumstances, revealing that the federal government has devised a comprehensive strategy to deal with any scenario.

    Taunting PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Sanaullah tweeted, “If you come, don’t hide. Try and storm Islamabad. I also promise you.”

    Responding to Sanaullah, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “Punch according to your weight. The stick you are wielding can go through and through.”

    On October 4, Khan asked his party leaders and workers to take an oath that they will participate in the long march, terming it a “jihad”
    for the country. However, he did not specify any date for the march.

    It was decided that the Pakistan Army, under Article 245 of the Constitution, will secure public buildings and the Diplomatic Enclave in the Red Zone.

    Sanaullah said the long march would not be allowed to enter the federal capital at any cost. He also authorised relevant departments to take action against individuals and organisations providing logistical and financial support to the PTI for the march.

  • ECP ‘cowering in fear’: Khan calls supporters to join protest against chief election commissioner

    ECP ‘cowering in fear’: Khan calls supporters to join protest against chief election commissioner

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged his supporters to come out for a “peaceful” protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which is set to take place in Islamabad today (Thursday).

    “Today I am calling all our people to come out in peaceful public protest against CEC and ECP in F9 Park at 6 pm. I will be addressing the gathering between 7:00 – 7:30 pm.”

    “CEC & ECP in cahoots with Imported govt conspired to try a technical knockout against PTI after PMLN got routed in Punjab by-elections despite the support of entire state machinery & ECP shenanigans. Now they are cowering in fear abt same happening to entire PDM in General Elections,” tweeted former prime minister Imran Khan.

    PTI withdraws reference to remove ECP chief

    PTI has withdrawn its reference against CEC Raja minutes after it was submitted in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

    According to media reports, the reference was withdrawn to highlight further legal aspects. The party will also include the demand for reconsideration of the ECP verdict in the prohibited funding case.

    The reference was taken back from the registrar’s office.

    The reference sought to remove CEC Raja from his post on account of the “commission of continuous and deliberate misconduct”.

    Earlier in the day, the party filed a reference in which the former ruling party alleged that Raja was pressurised to announce the verdict on PTI’s foreign funding case.

    The party alleged that after a meeting between the CEC and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders, the ECP announced its foreign funding verdict.

    Speaking to the media after the reference was taken back, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry warned the government that if they pull any stunt in the federal capital, then the PTI-led governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab will fill their prisons with PDM leaders and its allies, reports Samaa News.

    Red Zone sealed

    Ahead of the PTI protest today, Islamabad’s district administration has sealed the Red Zone and placed containers at the entry points of the city.

    Entry into the Red Zone is banned for protesters and all unconcerned people. Personnel of law enforcement agencies including Anti-Riot Force, Rangers, FC and police have been deployed around the Red Zone. Entrance will be allowed only through the Margalla Road.

    Read more – After Punjab, KPK assembly also approves motion against ECP chief

    Earlier this week, PTI Chairman Imran Khan announced a “peaceful” protest outside the ECP. The party has repeatedly demanded the resignation of ECP Chief Sikandar Sultan Raja.

    ‘If someone tries to enter the Red Zone area, they shouldn’t complain about the consequences’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned PTI of strict action against those who try to enter the Red Zone.

    He said that the PTI can attack the election commission; however, they should remember that the Islamabad High Court has imposed restrictions on staging protests in the Red Zone.

    “Protests are strictly prohibited in the Red Zone and if someone tries to enter the area, they shouldn’t complain about the consequences of their actions later,” he said.

    Rana Sanaullah added that there are some selected venues where the PTI can stage a “peaceful protest as it was everybody’s right in the democratic era”.