RAWALPINDI: Despite administrative and police threats, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Tehreek Minhajul Quran will establish 10 camps in various areas of the garrison city on Thursday to welcome Dr Tahirul Qadri at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA).

The camps, titled ‘condolence camps’ will be set up at Tench Bhatta, Pirwadhai, Khanna Bridge, Kuri Road, Adiala Road, Dhoke Ratta, Morgah, Sir Syed Chowk, Dhoke Chiraghdin and Golra Mor.

PAT Rawalpindi spokesperson Suhail Abbasi told Dawn that these camps were being established to receive condolences for the tragic incident in Model Town where more than 11 civilians lost their lives.

“The local administration and police are terrorising our people. Our leaders have received messages from the police asking them to submit plans to the relevant police stations or the City Police Office,” he added.

He said: “The police have sought information on those attending the welcome reception at BBIA and their families.”

“We will not give details to the police as we are independent citizens and have the right to express ourselves. Rallies and public meetings are democratic and a basic civil right,” he said.

He added that the rally will go from Rawalpindi to Lahore and will be led by Dr Tahirul Qadri.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2014