LAHORE: Officials of the City District Government of Lahore have been given the task to record every moment of Dec 15 – the day Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) plans to close the provincial capital from 18 points.

The core objective of recording Monday’s episodes through cameras is to identify elements, especially from PTI or other private groups, who may disrupt peace through shutting down businesses forcibly, fighting with officials or the protesting party, and indulging in any violence.

“Though the media is independent to record the event at any spot, we have decided to get the entire day’s proceedings recorded at all points by our own people. It will help us in revealing the truth. After getting the event recorded, we will get the footage distributed among the media,” a senior government official told Dawn on Saturday.

He said the credibility of recording would be ensured, adding that it could even be checked and verified through a forensic laboratory or any other institution concerned.

The official said the government cameramen had been asked to reach the 18 points by 7am and start recording. After dispersal of 'mobs', they would be liable to get the movie distributed among the media.

He said that cameramen/reporters of the electronic and print media would also be informed to reach uncovered spots in case any problem occurs.

He said the PTI leadership had told the city administration and the Lahore police that it would shut the city from 18 points without forcing shops to close.

“We will try our best not to confront PTI workers. We will react only if we are left with no option,” the official said.

Another official said the CDGL and local police jointly held a meeting with PTI office bearers and traders’ representatives on Saturday after the Lahore High Court directed to take all stakeholders on board to ensure peace and protect businesses of the people during Monday’s protest.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2014