Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: On the one hand the government has taken measures to avert the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s protest on November 2, but on the other hand backdoor channels are also being used to plead with PTI Chairman Imran Khan to change his mind.

A source in the Interior Ministry told Daily Times that Punjab and Azad Kashmir government have been told to provide over 15,000 police officials. The government will also deploy in the capital, he added. However, the Islamabad administration has not received any directions in this regard.

On the other hand, the Islamabad inspector general of police has demanded Rs 500 million for maintaining law and order, providing accommodation to police officials and to meet other requirements of police, sources said.

“Yes, we have various options with us but we would finalise our strategy with time to time. First we would see what steps PTI takes to seal the capital then we will take action,” State Minister for Interior Baleeghur Rehman said.

He added, “It is our responsibility to maintain the law and order in the capital and we will fulfill this duty and all steps will be taken in this regard.”

The minister said further, “We are ready to resume talks with PTI leadership, but their behaviour and threats cannot be ignored so all measures will be taken for the security of Red Zone and sensitive installations and buildings.”

Sources said some backdoor channels are working hard to convince Kaptaan to postpone the protest until the decision of Supreme Court on Panama papers case.

On the government’s request, the Jamaat-e-Islami and Qaumi Watan Party are also trying to urge Imran Khan to postpone or cancel his call, but Kaptaan is adamant on protesting against those named in the Panama leaks, sources concluded.