In report to IHC, capital police highlight risk of violence during PTI's long march.

In a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the capital's police chief has cited the risk of violence as to why the 'traditional deployment' of security personnel, including anti-riot units, for the PTI's long march has 'become inadequate'.

The PTI is marching towards the capital and has sought the authorities' approval to stage a protest there for early elections and 'Haqeeqi Azadi' (true freedom).

Islamabad's traders had earlier filed a plea against the possible closure of roads due to the march, on which the IHC sought on Monday a report from the capital's inspector general of police (IGP), Dr Akbar Nasir Khan.

'High-risk situation'

The November 16 report, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said PTI leader Amin Ali Gandapur 'has threatened that they (protesters) will gather at Islamabad with arms and persuaded its (PTI) workers to bring their weapons during the long march at Islamabad'.

The report also mentioned that some PTI leaders had extended death threats to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, adding: 'Some audios and videos are available on social media in which bringing/gathering of arms/ammunition, (ghulails and dandas - slingshots and clubs) were seen and a PTI leader, namely Nazim Arbab, was found standing in front of a shop selling these items and workers were persuaded to bring these items to the long march in Islamabad.'

Recalling former senator Faisal Vawda and Awami Muslim League president Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had 'categorically stated that their march would be 'khoni march' (bloody march)', the report said their statements were proved 'correct' when an attempt was made on Imran's life in Wazirabad.

Moreover, the report stated, Imran admitted in public statements that some of his supporters were armed with pistols and said he feared violence during the May 25 march.

The report alleged PTI workers usually participated in the march on vehicles, motorcycles and cranes and 'spread terror amongst the public'.

'These vehicles and motorbikes are used to target and hit unarmed anti-riot police, Punjab Rangers and FC (Frontier Corps) officers present on foot on the streets of ICT.'

The scenario, the report concluded, became 'even more risky' when the threats to Imran's life and those of terrorism received through multiple sources were taken into consideration.

'In this background, the traditional deployment of anti-riot units of Islamabad police and other federal forces becomes inadequate as such it is a...