KARACHI, Oct 19: The Sindh Home Department has agreed to a proposal by the Karachi City Government with regard to allowing people their right to freedom of expression.

For this purpose, the City Government has earmarked 17 places for public gatherings where various political, social, cultural and religious organisations will be allowed to hold public meetings or gatherings.

According to city government sources, these places have been earmarked officially for public meetings and gatherings for the first time in order to promote a healthy political culture and for building an organized society.

The sources said the city government had taken this decision keeping in view the fact that if people are not allowed the freedom of expression, this may lead to adoption of negative attitudes which, besides creation of law and order problem, disrupts the city life, because at present gatherings and processions are organized on roads and streets.

Meanwhile, the Home Department has also officially notified these places for the purpose of holding meetings and gatherings.

It is worth mentioning here that this policy of allocating space to protesters and other political social gatherings is being practised in advanced countries also where those expressing anger over their government’s policies or opposing any idea can stage protests.

If implemented, the Karachi City Government will be the first authority to enforce this policy in South Asia.