DC Memon cites ‘law and order’ as reason, balmes that PTI has violated NOCs issued on earlier occasions
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon rejected on Sunday PTI’s request to hold a public gathering in the federal capital on March 30.The party’s request was turned down in view of the “law and order situation”. DC Memon stated that the party had already violated NOCs (no objection certificates) issued on earlier occasions.
Two days ago, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court instructed the capital’s Deputy Commissioner to resolve the issue and submit a report accordingly.
Amir Masood Mughal, the regional president of the former ruling party, had applied for permission to hold a public gathering either on March 23 or March 30, at Parade Ground, F9 Park, or D Chowk at 10 pm.
The application was addressed to the Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner, and SSP Operations.
The application demanded that law enforcement agencies refrain from blocking access routes to the venue and abstain from arresting or using force against party supporters.
Despite formal written requests to the Islamabad DC on March 15 and 18 for securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC), no response was received until March 21.
Subsequently, Imran’s party approached the court, alleging unresponsiveness from the district administration and seeking court intervention.
Earlier, the PTI had faced similar rejections as the Rawalpindi District Administration declined their request to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh on February 5, just before the critical general elections.
District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema rejected the PTI’s request, citing concerns about potential law and order issues in the city.