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Sunday, 24 November, 2024 I | 21 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 138 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
PTI ADAMANT AS GOVT GOES EXTRA MILE TO BLUNT ‘FINAL CALL ENTHUSIASM’ ‘FINAL CALL MEANT A FINAL CALL’
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Significant security forces mobilised with g Capital city virtually turned into a fortress with g Barrister Gohar insists a ‘final call’ deployment of 30,000 additional police closure of all major entry and exit points meant a final call and only officials, including FC and Rangers and inter and intra-city roads, transport Imran could review decision
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ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
HE Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday refused to budge from its planned protest on November 24 as its Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that a “final call” meant a final call with the authorities implemented extensive security and transportation restrictions across major cities, turning the twin cities virtually into security fortresses. Earlier in related development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar only to inform him that the government will not grant permission for any sit-in or rally in Islamabad due to security concerns during an official visit from
a high-ranking Belarusian delegation. Naqvi’s call to Barrister Gohar comes as Pakistan prepares for an 80-member Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, to arrive in Islamabad from November 24 to 27. The interior minister noted that the government is bound by Islamabad High Court guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits. Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit, explaining that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorised. Gohar responded by saying he would consult with party leaders before finalising a response. ‘Final call means final call, only Khan can review it’
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that a “final call” meant a final call and only Imran could review the decision. “Khan sahib is Khan sahib. He is the boss. He doesn’t recommend. He orders, we follow,” he asserted while talking to a private TV channel. He said Imran had given the call for the protest, he had given the instructions and thus it was his decision to review it. Gohar said the PTI’s political committee discussed everything as per Imran’s instructions and it was not its option to review something that the PTI founder ordered and give a contrary direction.
PTI condemns govt for converting country into a war zone ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson reiterated that peaceful protest was a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution, and the nation remained resolute in exercising this right despite the incumbent government’s incessant threats, intimidation, and attempts to convert the country into a war zone through massive troop deployments and containerization. PTI Spokesperson, in a reaction to Atta Tarar’s outbursts, stated that the touts and the courtiers unleashed to target and intimidate people for participating in the revolutionary PTI’s peaceful march should bear in mind that 240 million people were fed-up of
their self-centred and incompetent masters, who ruined the country economically, socially and politically during the past two and a half years. He lashed out at the mandate thief government for taking away the people’s fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, trade, employment and communication, besides confining 240 million people to their homes. PTI Spokesperson strongly condemned the government’s open threats and intimidation tactics against young people, traders, teachers, students, transporters and government officials. He emphasized that the nation would not be intimidated by threats and would not give up its fundamental rights and the peaceful protest would be the prelude to restore the constitution and the law in its true sense.
NACTA puts authorities on full alter to potential terror threat to PTI protest ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on Saturday put the authorities on full alert to the potential terrorist threat during the upcoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad. In it’s security alert, the NACTA expressed concerns that a terrorist attack could target PTI’s public gathering, highlighting the risk of an attack. “A militants’ belonging to the “Fitna al-Khawarij,” formerly known as TTP, has crossed into Pakistan from Afghan on the night between November 19 and 20”, it said. The alter specifically points to PTI’s protest, suggesting that the militants might attempt to carry out an attack during the demonstration. In response to the alert, security measures have been heightened across the capital. Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and reinforce security around the protest site to prevent any untoward incidents. Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar that the government would not authorise any sit-ins or rallies in Islamabad due to security concerns during the official visit of a high-ranking Belarusian delegation. The interior minister call to the PTI chief comes as the party prepares for its November 24 protest. The government, on the other hand, has been implementing stringent security measures, including the imposition of Section 144 across Punjab for three days and the deployment of thousands of personnel in Islamabad to ensure public safety. Authorities in Islamabad have sealed off routes to the Red Zone and deployed Rangers at key government buildings. Multiple roads, including Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and routes to Islamabad Airport, have been blocked with containers, and heavy security forces, including police and FC, are stationed around D-Chowk. Additionally, internet and mobile services have been partially suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab as a precaution. Public transport, including metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been halted, and all bus terminals at Faizabad have been barricaded.
No talks being held at any level with PTI, says Ata Tarar
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, on Saturday stated categorically that no negotiations are being held at any level with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Addressing a news conference, Tarar said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, following Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders, contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to convey that protests or sit-ins in the federal capital were illegal. Tarar warned that those participating in violent protests would be arrested and held accountable for any damage, as the government would not tolerate actions jeopardizing public safety. The minister said protests are
PTI’s Nafeesa Khattak, Punjab VP detained as police intensify crackdown ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Police intensified their action on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, arresting prominent figures across Punjab and Islamabad as the capital braces for what is being labelled as ‘final call’ protest by the PTI on Sunday. The arrests, which included PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bari in Lahore and former member of parliament Nafeesa Khattak in Islamabad, are part of a pre-emptive sweep to limit PTI’s mobilisation. In Lahore, Bari and fellow party leader Chaudhry Habib Rehman were detained and transferred to the Rang Mahal police station on Saturday. Despite the arrests, Bari expressed his commitment to PTI’s plans, telling local media that the protest would go forward and calling November 24 a “day of freedom” for Imran Khan. Police also conducted a series of pre-dawn raids in Islamabad on Saturday, detaining Nafeesa Khattak and two nephews of PTI leader Amir Mughal. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the raids, citing a court ruling banning large gatherings and vowing that any violence would be met with a “strict response.” In anticipation of the protest, Islamabad has closed routes to the Red Zone with shipping containers and deployed 30,000 police and paramilitary forces across the city, particularly around sensitive government buildings. Key highways and motorways connecting Islamabad with Lahore and Peshawar have been closed, and Section 144 – which prohibits public
gatherings – has been imposed. PTI’s central information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, called for supporters to proceed to D-Chowk on Sunday, calling the protest a constitutional right and promising to overcome any barriers authorities set up. PTI leaders are counting on a significant turnout, expressing confidence that the rally will underscore public support for the party and its detained leader. As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to flex its muscles on November 24, the government has rolled out extensive security measures, including invoking Section 144 across Punjab for three days and deploying thousands of personnel in the federal capital to maintain law and order. The Punjab government followed the federal government’s lead on Friday by invoking Section 144 from November 23 to 25, banning public gatherings, rallies and processions. The decision was taken during the 18th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, aimed at safeguarding lives and property amid rising security concerns. Officials warned that public gatherings could serve as “soft targets for terrorists,” with anti-state elements potentially exploiting such events to advance their agendas. Meanwhile, in preparation for the rally, major reinforcements have been dispatched to Islamabad. Punjab has sent 19,000 personnel, Sindh 5,000 officers, the Frontier Corps 5,000, and Azad Kashmir police 1,000. For the first time, high-ranking officers accompany the contingents, with district-level commanders overseeing their teams.
illegal and disrupting public life will have consequences, stressing the government’s commitment to law and order. He said that PTI aims to create divisions between friendly countries. It’s baffling that a protest is called on the same day a friendly country seeks to enhance cooperation with Pakistan, he maintained. He stated that PTI and the country’s enemies share the same goal of hindering economic progress. He mentioned that Belarus is Pakistan’s close ally, and preparations have been finalized to welcome the president of Belarus in Islamabad. He noted that similar protests and sit-ins occurred during the 2014 visit of the Chinese president and the SCO summit.
Roads leading to Islamabad, Rawalpindi blocked ahead of PTI protest ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The roads leading to twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have been blocked ahead of the PTI’s November 24 protest. Hostels, guest houses and hotels have been vacated, while ‘no entry’ boards for vehicles have been installed at motorways. The entry points of twin cities have been blocked at 33 places while containers placed at all points. The authorities have blocked the Faizabad Interchange, while the Metro bus service connecting Pindi and Islamabad has also been suspended. Islamabad Police has closed all key entry points of the capital city. The road leading to Adiala Jail has been blocked with hurdles. Containers have been placed around Iran Avenue Margalla Road. Murree Road Faizabad has also been closed. Sadhuki G.T. Road and bridges at Chenab and Jhelum rivers have also been closed for traffic. Moreover, Gujranwala Expressway, which connects the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway has been blocked. The authorities have deployed additional 30,000 law enforcement personnel in Islamabad including 5,000 from Sindh and 1,000 policemen from Azad Kashmir apart of 5,000 personnel of the FC. Opposition leader Omar Ayub has said that the arrangement has been made to remove government obstacles against the protest. “We will reach Islamabad at any cost”, he added. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing policemen at Police Lines has said every person found to be involved in lawlessness will be arrested. “No one will be allowed to return back”.
KP steps up efforts for peace as 18 more killed in Kurram tribal-sectarian clashes PESHAWAR/KURRAM STAFF REPORT
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been making frantic efforts for a ceasefire between warring tribes in Kurram district and decided to constitute a high-powered commission to settle land disputes as tribalsectarian clashes continued with the killing of 37 people in firing since overnight, including 18 on Saturday. The provincial government intensified its efforts with a jirga meeting held to restore peace in Kurram district and end the tribal-sectarian clashes erupted following Thursday’s deadly attack, when a convoy of around 200 vehicles came under heavy gunfire in Kurram’s densely populated Bagan town, killing at least 43 people and injuring 16 others. The convoy was carrying passengers between Peshawar and Parachinar city, which is in Kurram, a district near the Afghanistan border with a history of sectarian violence and land disputes.
“The death toll is still rising” an official tasked with collecting details of the carnage told The Khorasan Diary, evidence shared with TKD from the area shows at least six bodies of the attackers and some charred bodies of those that were attacked. Officials and state functionaries could not reach the area due to heightened tensions, but one official who managed to bring out some injured before the firing begun again this morning had captured some visuals from the area which showed an entire village market, homes and government buildings gutted by fire as a response to the attack on passenger vans resulting in 47 deaths including women and children. There were reports of 6 women taken as captives but due to limited connectivity information and communication was scant to ascertain more. According to the security personnel, communication from elders of both sects suggested that a message had been sent across for further intensified attacks. Currently there was intermittent firing from at
least three points in the district, while the Thall-Sada-Parachinar Highway has remained closed from Kohat district, as officials struggle to reinforce a volatile peace. The KP government on Saturday sent a high-level delegation to Kurram to improve the security situation in the area, comprising KP Law Minister Aftab Alam, KP Chief Secretary (CS) Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, the Kohat Division commissioner and deputy inspector general of police, and other highlevel officials. The delegation was tasked with taking measures to improve the security situation and also make efforts to utilise the local jirga for the purpose. The KP Law Minister said that recommendations would be forwarded to the chief minister, adding that all departments were making tireless efforts to improve the law and order situation in Kurram. Alam, who led the efforts to peace restoration, told the media that the KP government has decided to form a high-powered commission to settle land disputes among
the warring tribes in Kurram. He said a government delegation held a meeting with and spoke to various stakeholders in Kurram, saying that the biggest issue in the district was land disputes. “There were very positive meetings with one stakeholder group and the government delegation was assured of cooperation. “A report will be made on all the incidents taking place in Kurram and presented to the chief minister and other senior officials,” he said. Alam said a new high-level commission would be established to resolve the Kurram disputes since all commissions and committees previously formed were not acceptable to any of the parties. “This time, the commission will be formed according to the wishes of the parties,” he said, adding that it would be acceptable to everyone. Alam said the land disputes between the various groups in Kurram were being given the colour of sectarian riots, adding that it was wrong to do so. The provincial law minister said the re-
port on Kurram’s issues would also be presented in a meeting of the apex committee. Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif said the government delegation held a jirga with district elders on KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s instructions. “Efforts are being made to resolve all issues amicably to end the tension. Detailed meetings were held with Shia leaders today, positive discussions were held to resolve the issues. Meetings will also be held with Sunni leaders in the next phase,” he said. Saif added that the government’s first priority was to establish a ceasefire between the warring sides and establish lasting peace. “The KP CM has clear instructions that all issues should be resolved through dialogue.” Sajid Hussain Turi, a former PPP MNA from Kurram and one of the meeting’s participants, told Dawn.com after the jirga that KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, CS Chaudhry and others attended the jirga meeting.