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Government to allow JUI-F's 'Azadi March' to go ahead as long as it remains peaceful
[DAWN] The government on Wednesday decided to let the opposition's 'Azadi March' protest in Islamabad proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached.The decision was made after a team delegated to negotiate with the opposition presented its recommendations to the prime minister. It was decided during the meeting that "the Government, with its firm belief in upholding democratic ideals, would allow the proposed Azadi March, if it takes place within the ambit of law and the Constitution as interpreted in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistain and Islamabad High Court," a brief statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said. "The prime minister believes in the democratic right to protest," a spokesperson for Prime Minister House had earlier told DawnNewsTV. The protesters will be allowed to carry out the march as long as the everyday life of citizens is not adversely affected, in accordance with the past judgements of the Supreme Court and the high court. The news broke amidst reports that the Islamabad police was issuing riot gear and mobilising containers to cordon off sensitive areas of the capital city to prevent protesters from marching on to the Red Zone. Related: Azadi March: 2019-10-22 Cabinet approves summary to ban JUI-F's ‘militant wing’ Azadi March: 2019-10-21 JUI-F threatens road blockades if marchers stopped Azadi March: 2019-10-19 PML-N, PPP should quit assemblies, says Siraj Posted by: Fred 2019-10-24 |
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