The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi has rejected a request to hold a political rally at Liaquat Bagh on April 9, citing security concerns and the enforcement of Section 144 in across the district.
According to an official notification, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing security situation, potential threats, and reports from law enforcement agencies. The request for organizing the public gathering was reviewed in detail, taking into account the overall law and order situation in the district.
The matter was also discussed in a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC), where security agencies highlighted concerns regarding large public gatherings.
The committee unanimously concluded that holding a mass political event under current circumstances could pose risks to the lives and property of citizens and participants. The notification further stated that Section 144 is already in place in Rawalpindi, prohibiting public assemblies. Additionally, the committee pointed out limitations in ensuring comprehensive security arrangements, including the deployment of adequate personnel in sensitive areas.
It noted that resource constraints, driven by the ongoing energy crisis and government austerity measures, have further impacted the capacity to manage large-scale events. The Deputy Commissioner, in conclusion, stated that the request for permission to hold the rally stands rejected in light of the recommendations of law enforcement agencies and the unanimous decision of the DIC.
ATC rejects bail pleas of 18 TLP workers in arson, police attack case
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday rejected the post-arrest bail applications of 18 workers of proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in a case pertaining to arson, rioting and attack on police personnel. ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides on the bail petitions filed by the accused.
The court dismissed the applications on the basis of evidence available on record against the accused, while accepting the prosecution’s stance that the suspects were allegedly involved in violence, torching of property and assault on police officials.
Those whose bail pleas were rejected include Ali Bahadur, Mazhar, Azam, Ali Akbar, Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Habib, Khalil Ahmad, Waqas Ahmad, Javed Imran, Ansar Mahmood, Muhammad Akbar, Muhammad Nawab, Yasir Aziz, Muhammad Arsalan, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Yousaf, Rana Manzar Irshad and Muhammad Shehzad.