Security concerns cut-short circus

In its first show in the capital in 11 years, Lucky Irani Circus was to perform till Aug 16

ISLAMABAD:

Security concerns caused the city’s civic agency to shutdown activities in the Arts and Craft Village in Shakarparian ahead of schedule on Wednesday evening.

The presence of army personnel stationed in the surroundings of Shakarparian are said to have prompted the early closure.

The famed ‘Lucky Irani Circus’ was under way at the village, located next to the Pak-China Friendship Centre for the last four days, and was to continue till August 16.

“The decision has been taken after we received a letter from a sensitive agency where the authority was asked for the circus to be shut down, citing security reasons,” said Asif Shahjahan, director-general (DG) for sports and culture at the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

He said the authority had been receiving verbal directions regarding the matter for the last few of days. On Wednesday, the agency sent clear instructions to the authority, asking them to wrap-up the event, the DG said.

Lucky Irani Circus — hosted annually in the capital till 2004 — was being held this year after an 11-year absence.

“Currently army men are stationed in the vicinity of the circus venue to perform duties in connection with the August 14 celebrations at the parade ground,” said a senior CDA official.

He questioned the move of the ICT Administration officers who granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the management of the circus without considering the prevailing law and order situation, and the sensitivity of the area due to the army’s presence.

“Issuing permission to hold such events in the city rests with the ICT Administration. The CDA only provides facilities for holding events upon receiving the NOC,” he added.

To ensure orders were implemented, around a couple of dozen army personnel riding trucks visited the venue Wednesday evening, said an official of the CDA’s security wing, adding that the troops remained at the site for almost two hours, directing performers to quickly pack-up and leave.

The army men left the area after buses carrying the circus crew and performers vacated the venue, he added.

During the day, CDA staffers were found removing publicity banners for the circus installed across the city.

Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed told the The Express Tribune he could not recall when the NOC was issued to the circus but commented that, “As the CDA was hosting this event officially, all responsibilities including security clearances rest with it.”

The DC said when a government department seeks such approval, the ICT Administration does not investigate the matter in depth.

Several families who arrived at the venue to see the circus returned home after they were informed at the gate that the show was cancelled.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2015.