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ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: The district administration has imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the capital, banning display of posters, banners and arms, public meetings and use of loudspeaker, the deputy commissioner said.
Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, he said section 144 had been imposed in the light of ‘code of conduct’ issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding general elections.
Responding to a question, he said posters and banners could be displayed on private vehicles, but the same could not be displayed at public places and government buildings.
The official said the capital police had been directed to take action, under section 188 of the CrPC, against those violating the ‘code of conduct’ and section 144. FIRs will be registered against those who make such violations during election campaign, he added.
He said, although, holding of public meetings and processions was banned, relaxation could be given to those who obtained permission from the election commission in this regard.
“So far, no aspiring candidate has applied for organizing a public meeting,” he said. Candidates can hold corner meetings under the roof, but not on roads and public places like playgrounds, parks, commercial centres etc.
The deputy commissioner said the display of arms had already been banned by the government, but agreed that in some cases, people resorted to aerial firing in jubilation or during public and corner meetings. But, this time, such activities will not be tolerated at any cost, he added.
Meanwhile, a source told Dawn that almost all candidates were violating the ‘code of conduct’ and section 144 in the capital by holding public meetings at places like commercial centres, displaying banners and posters at public places and using loudspeakers.
He said the district administration and the capital police were turning a blind eye to such violations and no action was being taken against those responsible.
Talking to Dawn, another senior official of the district administration said a contingency plan was being prepared to make fool-proof security arrangements during the elections.
He said the plan would be finalized within a week and announced at a meeting to be held in near future.
A REPORTER ADDS: Aabpara police on Monday registered a case against 160 leaders and activists of the PPPP, including a candidate from NA-48, for allegedly violating section 144 of the CrPC.
The party leaders against whom the case has been registered include Dr Babar Awan, a candidate for a National Assembly seat, Jehangir Akhtar, Babar Minhas, Suhail Roomi, Salim Bhatti, Nasir, Sharafat and Shabbir.
According to the police, the PPPP leaders and activists had held a public meeting and, later, carried out a procession on Monday evening, which was strictly banned in the federal capital.
Mr Awan was intimated by the district administration and the police that he had been violating the ban imposed by the government, th police said. The participants of the procession, however, peacefully dispersed. According to the police, no arrest has been made so far.
This was the third case of its kind registered by the Islamabad police since political parties started holding public meetings. Earlier, similar cases were registered against Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari and Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, Dr.Babar Awan, speaking at the party meting, lambasted the government for introducing, what he termed, “anti lower middle class laws”.
APP ADDS: Interior minister Lt-Gen Moinuddin Haider (retired) on Tuesday said the government would not allow political parties to take out big rallies and processions on roads as it would disturb public peace.
