ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is all set to the hold a public gathering at the Parade Ground in connection with its ‘thanksgiving day’ on Sunday.

After the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif on Friday, PTI chairman Imran Khan announced to observe the ‘thanksgiving day’. Permission to hold the public gathering was sought in writing from the capital administration by PTI Islamabad chapter president Raja Khurram Nawaz, the party’s media office stated on Saturday. It said preparations for the event started on Saturday morning after the capital administration gave a verbal approval.

Later in the evening, the local administration issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the PTI for holding the public gathering.

The capital administration stated that the event would be held at Parade Ground between 4pm and 10pm.

Capital administration issues NOC for the event at Parade Ground

“Anti-state, anti-religion/sectarian or anti-ideology of Pakistan slogans or speeches shall not be made,” it stated, adding effigy/flag of any political or religious party/person shall not be burnt.

Weapons/firearms of any kind shall not be taken to or near the venue of the convention.

The use of deck speakers and sound amplifier shall comply with the provisions of the West Pakistan Amplifier Ordinance 1965.

The traffic management and parking plan of the police shall be adhered to by the organisers and participants of the event and smooth traffic flow for the residents of the city shall not be obstructed.

For the safety of the general public, maintenance of law and order at the venue, the police and law enforcement agencies shall not be obstructed during the checking of any vehicle or persons coming to attend the event anywhere in the city.

The organisers shall fully cooperate with the capital administration and police and other law enforcement agencies for ensuring foolproof security.

As mutually agreed with the capital administration and police the internal security of the venue shall be the responsibility of the organisers.

Search of the participants at the entry points of the venue shall be the joint responsibility of the organisers and the police. The participants shall only be allowed inside the venue after a thorough security check.

Police and law enforcement agencies will be responsible for the security and traffic flow outside the venue and parking. The organisers shall be responsible for any human injury caused inside the venue.

All rules and regulations and the municipal laws shall be strictly adhered to. Streamers and banners shall only be installed after approval from the CDA and the same containing public messages shall not be removed or obstructed. A list of people to be allowed on the stage shall be provided to the capital administration at least 12 hours in advance.

The participants shall not enter any restricted area or obstruct any public and private thoroughfare. Besides, infants and children under the age of 12 years shall not be allowed at the venue and the organisers take responsibility on this account except with their lawful guardians.

Clear right of way for fire brigades, ambulances and other emergency vehicles or personnel shall be ensured by the organisers.

An adequate number of walk-through gates shall be installed at the entry points of the venue by the organisers in consultation with the police and the participants shall have access to the venue only through these gates.

CCTV cameras shall be installed at the venue by the organisers and the location of the cameras and the control room shall be intimated to the capital administration.

The main stage of the convention and the venue shall be technically swept by the bomb disposal squad of the police.

An official of the police said over a 1,000 personnel would perform security and traffic duties during the event.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2017