JUI-F issued NOC for Azadi March, points of entry for marchers decided.

Byline: Mohammad Asghar and Munawer Azeem

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI -- The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has been issued an no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration to hold its Azadi March in the city on Oct 31.

Administration officials said the NOC was issued after they received reports from the police's operation division and Special Branch (the police intelligence wing), even though these reports recommended against allowing the march.

The Special Branch had also referenced a specific threat alert issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority and the Ministry of Interior that said that JUI-F, PTI, PML-N, PPP and Awami National Party leaders and law enforcement authorities could be targeted by terrorists.

The NOC was issued by Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat. The organisers of the event have been asked to submit an undertaking to abide by the terms and conditions of the certificate, the officials said.

Mr Shafqaat has allowed the JUI-F to hold the march on the H-9 right-of-way by the weekly market with 'temporary stationing' in the parking of the metro bus depot.

The NOC states that the JUI-F will be responsible for making internal security arrangements for participants, a list of whom will also be shared in advance with the local police. No damage will be caused to public or private property, and in case of any damage the organiser will be held responsible.

The organisers will also take the responsibility that participants will not move beyond the identified boundaries of the venue and that speech against the state, any religion or the ideology of Pakistan will not be made.

Weapons and firearms of any kind will not be allowed near the venue, but anything required for the internal security of participants will be allowed subject to approval from the administration, the NOC says.

It also said that participants and organisers must adhere to the police's traffic management and parking plans, and police and law enforcement will not be obstructed while checking or searching any vehicles or people attending the event.

The organisers and the police will jointly search participants upon entry, and organisers will be responsible for any human injury or health issue caused by internal arrangements inside the venue.

The organisers will also ensure security is arranged for participants, including maintaining a minimum setback area of 45 metres between the stage and the first row of the audience...