Risk of violence in PTI long march, police tells IHC

There is a risk of violence during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, the federal police stated in a report submitted to Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Citing PTI leader Amin Ali Gandapur, the report says, “He 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”.

Moreover, it stated that some PTI leaders had extended death threats to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and PTI chief Imran Khan has admitted that some of his supporters were armed with pistols during the party’s May 25 march.

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

The police, in its report, also detailed precautionary measures taken by them ahead of the long march, including ensuring that no procession or activity by a political party was allowed into the Red Zone, the extension of Red Zone, imposition of Section 144 in the capital and a ban on displaying, carrying or bringing firearms in the Red Zone.

Currently, the PTI is marching toward the capital and has sought approval from the authorities to stage a protest/sit-in there.