ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has granted conditional permission to major opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its public rally at the federal capital on Thursday.
The Islamabad district administration has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to PTI for its rally scheduled for September 8, subject to 41 conditions.
The detailed route plan for attendees traveling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab via the motorway has been provided in the notification issued on Thursday. The rally is set to take place at the open grounds on GT Road Singhu Jai, starting at 4 p.m. and concluding by 7 p.m.
Key conditions include prohibitions on anti-state speeches or slogans, and the requirement for organizers to ensure participants return the same night. Organizers are also responsible for internal security at the event.
To ensure public safety and maintain law and order at the event, the ICT Police and law enforcement agencies will have unrestricted access to scan and search any vehicle or person. The security screening of participants at the venue’s entrance will be a joint responsibility of the organizers and ICT Police.
Participants will be admitted only after a thorough security check. The organizers will be held accountable for any injuries or health issues that occur within the venue due to internal arrangements.
Organizers must ensure clear access for fire brigades, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles and personnel. The venue will prohibit the serving or possession of intoxicants and banned substances. Adequate walkthrough gates will be installed at entry points.
Organizers are required to provide details of their private security arrangements to the SSP (Operations), ICT, at least 12 hours before the event begins.
CCTV cameras will be installed at the venue by the organizers, and their locations along with the control room details must be shared with the ICT Administration.
The no-objection certificate (NOC) can be revoked at any time in the event of a security threat.
A separate map has been issued detailing routes for those coming from KP and Punjab via the motorway, with additional route plans for travelers from GT Road, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Murree.
PTI had originally planned a rally for August 22 but canceled it at the last minute, citing concerns about potential chaos. PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hassan has stated that the September 8 rally will proceed regardless of the permit status, emphasizing that the event will go ahead even if permission is not granted.
