ISLAMABAD: As the PTI submitted a request to the capital administration for holding a workers’ convention (Jalsa) at F-9 Park on August 5, the police have also stepped up preparations with anti-riot drill and intelligence surveillance across Islamabad.

A written application was submitted by the PTI Islamabad chapter to the office of the deputy commissioner. The application submitted with the signature of Regional President Islamabad PTI Aamir Masood Mughal and General Secretary Malik Amir Ali stated: “On behalf of PTI Islamabad Region, we are writing this letter to seek your kind permission to organize a peaceful workers’ convention (Jalsa) at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) Islamabad on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 4pm to 10pm.”

This gathering, it added, is part of the party’s ongoing political activities to mobilise and engage its workers. It will be a peaceful event aimed at energising and uniting the workers across Islamabad.

“We assure you that all arrangements will be made in a disciplined manner, and full cooperation will be extended to the district administration and law enforcement agencies. Kindly provide us the necessary permission to use the venue and deploy security personnel to ensure the safety of all participants. All SOPs, including public safety and park usage regulations, will be strictly followed. We hope for your kind cooperation and timely approval of our request.” When approached by Dawn, officials of the capital admonition were reluctant to comment on the application.

Police make preparations

Meanwhile, the capital police have started preparations after the regarding announced PTI nationwide protest on August 5. Officers told Dawn that in the first phase the Anti-Riot Unit of the police started exercises, physical training and refresher anti-riot courses at the Police Lines Headquarters.

Over a thousand personnel of the unit are undergoing refresher courses ahead of the PTI’s nationwide protest on August 5. The courses include physical training and exercises to make them fit and respond to the protesters with full energy.

Besides, they are also doing refresher courses on usage and handling of the anti-riot kits. They are getting training regarding the usage of shields to protect themselves and the force from stones and other stuff that may be pelted on them. Besides, they are also being trained on how to intercept mobs at certain points, cordon them off and disperse them. Moreover, they are learning how to deal with troublemakers and protesters taking law and order into their hands.

On the other hand, police have also started collecting details of local PTI leaders and activists besides keeping an eye on their activities. The intelligence units of the police have mounted surveillance over the leaders and hardcore members of the PTI.

Surveillance at all hotels, mottles, inns and guest houses along with capital’s suburbs and outskirts has also been increased to monitor the PTI workers’ activities and get information about their stay and gatherings. The police intelligence units were also asked to prepare fresh lists of local PTI leaders.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025