RAWALPINDI:
The civil administration in Rawalpindi on Monday imposed Section 144 across the district from August 4 to August 10 ahead of the PTI’s protest scheduled for today, August 5.
According to a notification issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, public gatherings and political rallies are banned in the garrison city, whose Adiala Jail is the place where the PTI founder Imran Khan has been detained for around 2 years. Under Section 144, pillion riding on motorcycles and display of weapons are prohibited while loudspeakers cannot be used during this period. To prevent any law and order situation near Adiala Jail, a red alert has been issued and Adiala Road will be completely sealed with containers.
According to the official notification, the Punjab Rangers will be deployed around the jail and the rangers will conduct joint patrols with Rawalpindi Police. Anti-riot police equipped with tear gas and batons will also be stationed at all barricades.
Traffic from Kacheri to Adiala Jail and from the Chakri Motorway Interchange will be diverted to alternate routes. Legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to remove official blockades.
Meanwhile, ahead of the planned protests, senior PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser issued a video message stating that on August 5, there will be protests all across the country
“This is not just a protest, but the beginning of a movement. Two years ago, on this very day, the fascist government unjustly arrested Imran Khan, and for the last two years, he has remained imprisoned without due cause.
“We demand justice and merit-based decisions from the judiciary. Unfortunately, after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the judiciary has practically become subordinate to the government. It is saddening to see the public’s trust in the courts diminishing day by day,” he added.
The PTI leader asked as to what has come out of the numerous operations conducted in merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which were earlier part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
“These operations have neither brought peace nor ended unrest. Let it be clearwe will not allow any military operation on our soil. We want peace on our land.
“Our demand is simple and clear: justice for Imran Khan. When justice is denied, the principle of ‘might is right’ prevails. A system of disbelief can survive, but a system based on oppression cannot,” he added.
According to Qaiser, the country is heading further into tyranny and the current rulers are sitting on power through force. He said people do not want violence, explosions, or extortion but peace, jobs, and education for our children.
“The movement starting today is not just PTI’s battleit is the struggle of the entire nation, for the rule of law, justice, merit, and equal rights for all citizens,” he said.
WITH INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN PESHAWAR.
