ISLAMABAD: The PTI has submitted an undertaking regarding its upcoming convention, under which the organisers will face legal proceedings if the terms and conditions agreed upon with the capital administration are violated.

The convention will be held at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9) Park, between 4pm and 10pm on April 24.

The undertaking was given by MNA Asad Umar. According to the conditions, anti-state, anti-religious or sectarian slogans and speeches will not be delivered, and no effigies or flags of any political or religious party or person shall be burnt.

Weapons – which includes batons, sticks or any instrument that can cause bodily harm – and firearms will not be allowed near or at the venue of the convention. Liquor, or any banned substance, will not be served or allowed at the event venue.

The use of speakers and amplifiers must comply with the West Pakistan Amplifier Ordinance 1965, and cannot be used during the call to prayer.

In addition, the conditions state that any streamers or banners will only be installed after approval from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and any existing banners or streamers containing public messages will not be removed or obstructed.

In addition, the organisers have been asked to ensure that there is no damage to public or private property, or the flora and fauna near the venue. In case of any damage, the cost shall be recovered from the organisers.

Organisers must also clear the right of way for the fire brigade, ambulances and emergency vehicles and personnel. Access to public and private property shall not be obstructed by organisers. Infants and children below the age of 12 will not be allowed at the venue.

The organizers will also take responsibility that participants will not move beyond identified boundaries of the venue and violation of this and resultant consequences shall be the responsibility of them, it added.

With regards to security, an adequate number of walkthrough gates will be installed at the venue’s entry points by the organisations, in consultation with the police.

CCTV cameras shall also be installed by the organisers, and their location and the control room will be intimated to the capital administration. Generators will also be arranged by the organisers, for uninterrupted lighting at the venue.

The capital administration must be provided a list of people allowed onstage at least 12 hours in advance, and the venue will be technically swept by the Bomb Disposal Squad and police.

Our Reporter adds from Rawalpindi: The PTI has sought security from the Punjab government for rallies from Rawalpindi to Fatima Jinnah Park.

PTI leader Zahid Kazmi, who is part of the organising committee for the event, wrote to the regional police officer (RPO) to make arrangements for the security of two main rallies.

He said PTI has made arrangements for the two rallies: from Murree Road and from Peshawar Road, to Fatima Jinnah Park, and security of these rallies was the responsibility of the Punjab police.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2016