ISLAMABAD: The inspector general (IG) of Islamabad police advised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak not to participate his party’s rally at D-Chowk on Sunday.

Talking to reporters during a visit to the venue of the rally on the eve of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s major show in the capital, Islamabad IG Tahir Alam Khan was asked what measures the police were taking to ensure that there were no casualties on Nov 30.

A reporter referred to the Aug 30 violence that led to the deaths of at least three people and said that the police had cast aspersions on the guards of the KP CM for having fired shots that led to protesters’ deaths. Acknowledging the concern, the IG said, “We would advise the KP CM not to attend the procession.”

He also said that the PTI leadership had been asked to provide details of their personal security detail that would be on hand at the rally.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was scheduled to brief the media, as per a text message circulated by Interior Ministry officials. The minister was seen arriving at the venue on Saturday evening, but left the scene after he saw a large number of PTI supporters had already gathered there.

Sources told Dawn that the minister was advised not to address the media as the PTI supporters at the scene may try to embarrass him by chanting anti-government slogans. Earlier in the day, party activists chanted “Go Nawaz Go” when the IG and the Islamabad chief commissioner visited the area to examine security arrangements.

Briefing reporters on the security measures in place for the rally, the IGP warned PTI activists that the police were prepared for anything and that no one would be allowed to enter Constitution Avenue. “I will not let my force be beaten this time,” he vowed.

l Admin, police officials examine arrangements at Blue Area l Walkthrough gates installed, PTI supporters start gathering at venue l Chaudhry Nisar leaves without briefing media l Diplomats told to avoid travel for fear of unrest l Police fears JUI-F sit-ins at Faizabad, Motorway could cause tensions with PTI supporters

Police, he said, would not be armed with live ammunition, but would have rubber bullets and teargas shells and have been authorized to use force against those who try to take the law into their hands or violate the terms of the NOC issued by the government for the rally. The law empowered police to take action against such troublemakers and law enforcers would resist attempts to trespass on key buildings and the high security zone.

The IG also expressed fears of a possible clash JUI-F supporters and PTI activists, as the former had announced a sit-in at the city’s entry points from the M2 Motorway and Faizabad. “PTI workers may find their path blocked at these points, which would lead to a face-off,” he added.

But he said that efforts were being made to convince the JUI-F to call off their sit-in from the M2 Motorway, adding that the sit-in at Faizabad would be relocated to outside the National Press Club.

The IG said Constitution Avenue would be partially sealed, with the entrances near Radio Pakistan and the Pakistan Secretariat being blocked. Only 35 members of the party’s top leadership would be allowed to enter the main thoroughfare to reach the stage, he said.

He also said that PTI had failed to arrange walkthrough gates as agreed to in an undertaking submitted earlier and that the police had arranged for security measures. He asked PTI activists to cooperate with police and keep party workers from trespassing onto Constitution Avenue to avoid a clash with security personnel.

When asked why the police was putting off arresting PTI leaders when warrants for their arrest had been issued, the police chief said that police could arrest them, but there was a procedure that had to be followed. “We obtained the warrants so that they could post bail and keep the legal process going,” he said, sidestepping the question. Meanwhile, the district administration and police advised all foreign missions and diplomats to avoid unnecessary travel on Sunday and remain at their residences on Sunday as there was a chance of unrest to the PTI’s rally.

In addition, the administration has also banned pillion-riding and the use of Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAVs), commonly known as drone cameras, for a week, officials told Dawn.

District Magistrate Mujhaid Sherdil issued the orders under CrPC Section 144.

UAVs are used by mediapersons to cover large events, but intelligence agencies consider them a security risk, officials said.

In September 2013, explosive-laden UAVs were recovered during a raid on a terrorist hideout in Tarnol. Once in the air, a camera drone is indistinguishable from a threat, an intelligence official told Dawn.

In August, the district administration had banned use of UAVs by the media houses, but the ban was openly violated during coverage of the twin sit-ins by PTI and PAT, officials said.

However, no action was taken against anyone over the violation.

Published in Dawn, November 30th , 2014