Pakistan prepares restrictions ahead of PTI march to Islamabad — Dawn
In Pakistan, authorities are taking a number of preventive measures ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s march to Islamabad scheduled for September 27. Participants plan to demand the release of the imprisoned party founder. As Dawn writes in an editorial, the authorities explain their actions as measures to prevent violence and protect public infrastructure and property.
Preventive measures
According to the publication, at least 155 preventive detention orders have been issued under the MPO. Lists of PTI leaders and activists have also been drawn up for possible further preventive arrests, police officers’ leave has been cancelled, and containers and roadblocks are being prepared.
In addition, the authorities have restricted rallies and other public gatherings. Article 144 has already been applied in Punjab province; according to Dawn, the restrictions are planned to be introduced more broadly soon.
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The editorial’s position
The Dawn editorial notes that the authorities have a duty to maintain public order and may respond to the deliberate use of violence during protests. At the same time, the publication considers the use of several parallel instruments against the leadership and supporters of the opposition party excessive even before the event itself takes place.
The editorial stresses that previous instances of violence during protests should not be grounds for arbitrarily suspending the constitutional rights of people who have committed no offences. Dawn called for dissent not to be viewed as a security threat and for citizens to retain the opportunity to peacefully express their demands.
