The Punjab Home Department, on the recommendation of the district administration, on Thursday allowed the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to hold a religious congregation at Minar-e-Pakistan from November 21 to November 23. The district administration had recommended special relaxation in the order of section 144.  The administration had issued a no objection certificate for the gathering on October 20.  The party had again submitted an application for its confirmation. 

The party was allowed to hold the gathering under strict rules and regulations issued by the administration.  The organizers would have to abide by these rules and regulations.  The administration will be responsible for stage security, separate enclosures for men and women.  The administration will also provide space for parking and volunteers so that stampede could be prevented.  All security requirements will be met as per the audit by the Special Branch. 

During the congregation, the volume of the sound system will be low; the participants will not be allowed to bring children with them; no shopkeeper would be forced to close his shop; no rally or a procession would be taken out; speeches against the state institutions, judiciary and the armed forces would be strictly prohibited.  Similarly, the participants would not be allowed to bring any weapon with them.  Likewise, no hate speech will be made from the podium. 

The party will not be allowed to use mobile vans or any other vehicle to make announcements for the event.  Similarly, wall-chalking would also be prohibited; the atmosphere would remain completely peaceful, while there would be a complete ban on making provocative statements and slogans. In case, any untoward incident took place, the organizers would be responsible for that. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)