PTI seeks ‘landing right’ for Imran’s chopper

Rawalpindi district admin suggests changing venue for better security

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has sought permission from the Islamabad administration to allow it to proceed from different routes of Islamabad to reach Faizabad in Rawalpindi.

The party has also sought permission for the landing and taking off of PTI chief Imran Khan’s helicopter at Islamabad’s Parade Ground.

PTI’s Islamabad President Ali Nawaz Awan submitted a fresh application to the district administration on Monday and sought permission to use routes for the PTI’s public gathering at Faizabad on November 26.

Although the application did not clearly state whether it will be a one-day gathering or a sit-in, the intention was clear that the November 26 rally can be converted into a sit-in. The PTI has kept the option open in line with its strategy to keep its cards close to its chest and not give the government too much reaction time.

Recently, PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Shireen Mazari revealed that the PTI would definitely move toward Islamabad. “Islamabad is our final destination but wait till Imran Khan's announcement on November 26,” Mazari told The Express Tribune.

The PTI concluded the second phase of its long march on November 19 and Imran announced a rally in Rawalpindi. The timing of the rally is interesting as the government is expected to announce the name of the new military chief this week and the ceremony for the change of command is to take place on November 29 in Rawalpindi.

In the application, Awan wrote that “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced a peaceful public gathering/sit-in at Faizabad (Rawalpindi) on Saturday, 26th of November, 2022 for which the rallies/convoys from Islamabad and across Pakistan shall be convened to participate in Haqeeqi Azadi March at Faizabad (Rawalpindi)”.

On the other hand, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the Rawalpindi district administration suggested that the PTI change the venue of the sit-in on November 26.

The security of sensitive buildings near Faizabad and the Pakistan-England cricket series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium were feared to be affected.

PTI leaders sought more time for consultation as the party wanted to set up a central stage near Faiz Ahmad Faiz Metro Bus Station on Murree Road near Faizabad.

A senior officer of the Rawalpindi district administration, on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the official request of the PTI for a peaceful sit-in on November 26 had been received by the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner.

He said that the deputy commissioner consulted with other agencies to make other arrangements, including security, for the peaceful sit-in. Here, the LEAs pointed out that the location of the main stage was very close to a very sensitive building.

“Gathering a large number of participants amid a critical security situation may disturb the law-and-order situation,” the official said.

Sources said that the law enforcement agencies have suggested that the sit-in venue should be discussed with the PTI leadership and the location should be changed to Allama Iqbal Park to ensure the security of the former prime minister and the participants.

They said that the Rawalpindi district administration has also approached the PTI leadership regarding the Pakistan-England cricket series. The PTI leadership has been told that England's cricket team was reaching Islamabad on the night of November 26. The team will rest on November 27, while the practice will start from November 28. Before that, the Pakistan cricket team will start a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 25.

While the PTI sit-in will begin on November 26, any untoward incident will have a direct impact on efforts to revive cricket in Pakistan, the sources said.

The sources said that PTI’s central leaders have been informed about the entire situation, on which the leaders have asked for time for further consultation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2022.