Islamabad DC orders action against PTI rally for NOC violation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi takes notice of unprovoked stone-throwing by rally participants

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been officially notified of the 7 pm time limit. He warned that exceeding the deadline would be considered a violation of the no-objection certificate (NOC) granted for the rally.

Memon also stated that loudspeakers and microphones would be turned off after the deadline and entry points to the city would be closed to prevent additional participants from arriving.

He issued a notification instructing the administration and police officials to take action against the NOC violations. According to the notification, the PTI rally failed to adhere to the conditions outlined in the NOC, prompting the need for enforcement measures.

The participants clashed with the police, with reports of stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to several police officers, including Safe City SSP, authorities said.

The Islamabad Police spokesperson reported that participants violating the designated route aggressively pelted stones at the police, causing injuries to SSP Safe City and several officers. The stone-throwing from the protesters continued, escalating tensions.

Earlier, the Islamabad Police spokesperson had stated that specific routes were designated by the district administration for the rally. Travel to the rally venue outside these prescribed routes—whether on foot, by motorcycle, or in vehicles—was prohibited and legally impermissible.

The police emphasised that a law governing peaceful assemblies is in place and enforced, with stringent actions planned against those violating the regulations.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken immediate notice of the unprovoked stone-throwing by rally participants on Islamabad Police. He has requested a report from the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.

Naqvi contacted the injured SSP Shoaib Khan to inquire about his condition and instructed the administration to ensure that the injured officers receive the best possible medical care.