ISLAMABAD: A case has been registered against the participants of a gathering who tried to disrupt the Aurat Azadi March in the capital on Sunday, police said.

The Kohsar police registered the case in response to a complaint lodged by City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio against 35 people under different sections of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Amplifier Act.

However, so far none of the suspects has been arrested even though 11 of them were nominated in the FIR with their names. Some of the 11 suspects were affiliated with religious-politico parties, a police official added.

According to the FIR, about 400 men and women under the leadership of the 11 persons reached near National Press Club and used loudspeakers to provoke religious sentiments of their followers against those who were observing the International Women’s Day outside the press club.

The were informed that their gathering was illegal as there was a ban on the assembly of five or more people in the capital. Besides, there was also a ban on the use of loudspeakers. But they did not disperse.

Later, 35 people from the gathering got provoked and pushed the police and uprooted tents installed as a part of arrangements for observing the women’s day. They also blocked roads for the general public, the FIR stated.

A police officer told Dawn on condition of anonymity that the police were extra-cautious to take action against those nominated in the FIR as they were leaders of religio-political parties. Their arrest could create a law and order situation, he added.Meanwhile, a man was booked by the Kohsar police for making a hoax call about penetration of a suicide bomber in the Aurat Azadi March.

The police said the man called Rescue 15 and informed its official about presence the suicide attacker at the venue.

Kohsar Police Station House Officer (SHO) Athar Khan said after receiving the call the police conducted a search at the venue but found nothing suspicious.

Later, it turned out to be a hoax call. An investigation is underway to trace the caller, said the SHO.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2020