Khatm-e-Nabuwat: Authorities warn firebrand cleric, ST against agitation

Khadim Rizvi plans to lead followers to capital on November 6

ISLAMABAD: The capital is bracing for another siege after a Lahore-based firebrand cleric, as well as the Sunni Tehreek (ST), announced plans of marching on to the capital from November 6.

It has prompted the authorities in the capital to issue a stern warning to these religious leaders, including Khadim Hussain Rizvi as well as Sunni Tehreek (ST) head Sarwat Ijaz Qadri against leading the march.



In a letter written by the Islamabad district magistrate to the two religious leaders, in which he warned that the rally or march would not be allowed to enter the capital.

Furthermore, he warned that action would be initiated against the organisers of the rally if they fail to obtain the prerequisite no-objection certificate from the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) for their rally, noting that neither party had so far applied for the NOC.

Rizvi’s entry to Islamabad had already been banned by the ICTA during Muharram as a precautionary measure to maintain peace.

He, however,  has announced plans to lead a march from Lahore to Islamabad on November 6 on the issue of Khatm-e-Nabuwat, or belief in the finality of the Prophethood. His main demand is that the government identify and punish those responsible for the recent controversy surrounding change of Khatm-e-Nabuwat clause in election laws.

Another religious group from Lahore had also led a rally from Lahore to Islamabad on the same issue late last month and occupied main Jinnah Avenue for several days before ending their sit-in on November 3.

The letter informs the two leaders that all kinds of public gatherings have been banned in the capital due to security concerns. It says as per the Islamabad High Court orders, a multipurpose ground near Shakarparian has been notified as the venue for all kinds of protest rallies and public gatherings. However, an NOC from the deputy commissioner’s office is still required for holding an event at the ground.



“Till now, no request for NOC for the long march or rally has been received in this office. It is further to inform you that if it happens without an NOC from this office, it will be a violation of the orders of the honourable Islamabad High Court as well as of Section 144 CrPC barring unlawful assembly,” the letter reads, adding that any demonstration outside the Parade Ground would infringe the rights of the people of Islamabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2017.