‘Govt providing all facilitation possible, JUI-F protesters should not cross red lines’ – Pakistan

With a list of 7,000 names of people who, according to her, "connect Pakistan with the world", the special assistant of the Prime Minister of Communication, Firdous Ashiq Awan, reminded the protesters of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) on Thursday ) that Islamabad, in addition to being the seat of government, was also home to a large community of expatriates and residents whose safety was the responsibility of the state.

"After the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in 2008, the United Nations declared that Islamabad was a & # 39; unfamiliar station & # 39;. As of 2008, after a continuous struggle, the current government was finally able to reverse that decision thanks to the international image building of the Prime Minister efforts, "he said, sitting next to the retired brigadier Ijaz Shah.

"We are very familiar with muscle flexion, protest, we ourselves are political actors. We do not worry about responding to political challenges. But when there are riots in the capital […] the Pakistani diaspora, which fights for Pakistan, is hampered to do its job, "he said.

"Therefore, I hope that Mullah Fazlur Rehman […] The political adventure, its peaceful protest, to which the government recognizes its full right and gives it space, will continue [as agreed] and the commitments that [the JUI-F] They have been confirmed and will not jeopardize the stability of the country.

"Their political complaints, which have no weight, which have no basis, are emotional and separate from reality, [should not make them forget that] They have a relationship with Pakistan that they should not try to weaken. [They should not] do anything that endangers national security or our national position in the world, "he warned.

Details of the preparations issued

Interior Minister Ijaz Shah took the microphone to detail the preparations made by the government to facilitate protesters.

He began by reminding journalists that this was not the first time there was an important march in Islamabad.

"I had a list made […] if someone wants a copy, I can give it to him, "he offered.

"These marches in Islamabad, Rawalpindi […] It started from the time of Iskandar Mirza. You can remember that after the 1965 war [with India], a student movement had taken root that finally marched in Islamabad. Then another group, in 1977, after the second election of [Zulfikar Ali] Bhutto sahab [marched on Islamabad]; then in 1997, when Qazi Hussain Ahmed sahab came [to Islamabad] in which, as you know, there was a lot of bloodshed.

"Then, after that, there was another march in Islamabad, which was also the target of the Supreme Court. There was another one after that, during the Lawyers Movement; then, in 2012, when Pakistan Awami Tehreek came after the government of the PPP; then in 2014, when Pakistan Awami Tehreek and the PTI arrived in Islamabad. Then there was one in 2016, when the PML-N was in government, Chaudhry Nisar was minister [of interior] and border people [erstwhile tribal areas] they were not allowed to enter Islamabad. "

"Call these events marches or agitations, all culminated or were aimed at culminating in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Before coming to Maulana sahab & # 39; s March, I want to talk about the government's reaction to its march, "said the interior minister.

"Maulana sahab First we decided that we will stir against the government two months ago, in the [opposition’s] First & # 39; Conference of all parties & # 39 ;. If I remember correctly, this happened on July 19, 2019. There were two more APCs after that. They [JUI-F] They weren't sure when and if they would leave or not. They were not sure why they would march, or what their demands would be, all this is on the record. "

"However, on October 3, it was decided by Maulana sahab that [he would march on Islamabad]. They only had one demand at that time, but they continued to increase throughout the days. You must remember what those demands were.

"The decision had been made by Maulana sahab and apparently only he knew what he would do, even his allies had no idea what he wanted. This is what all of you [the media] reported and we hear from you, "said Shah.

"When all this happened, political statements from both sides […] It raised the political temperature. However, for the first time, the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the decision. […] that would allow the march to continue. He said: I'm a politician, I'm gone, I'm not going to stop Maulana sahab& # 39 ;. This is the first time in history that a prime minister takes this position, "Shah said.

"The prime minister also said that [whoever follows] the decisions of the courts in this regard, the decision of the Supreme Court written by Judge Qazi Faez Isa and the decision of the Superior Court of Islamabad, are welcome in Islamabad. "

"Those people or segments of society who wanted riots in Pakistan were surprised by surprise. [the prime minister’s] decision. These groups included those who wanted to settle accounts and shoot from Maulana's shoulders. "

"Then, again for the first time in Pakistan's political history, the government created a committee under [Defence Minister] Pervaiz Khattak will go to ask the opposition what they wanted.

"Around the time when Maulana's march was & # 39; becoming & # 39; an opposition march, they [opposition politicians] They created their Rehbar Committee. After that committee was formed, the PTI core team approached these people several times. The Rehbar Committee told them in the third contact attempt that they would meet with government officials.

"After that, there were two meetings in a single day. It was reported that the negotiations had failed. After one day, there was another round of talks, in which both committees sat in a place to discuss. Meanwhile, we continue to report in opposition to all threats, some of which were also reported in the media. They insisted they wanted to march against D-Chowk. Nothing else was discussed. They were told that the judiciary had banned a sit-in in D-Chowk and that they should go to Parade Ground. They said they would not go there, it is clear why, and I will not say it myself. Later they told us they wanted Peshawar More instead. Eventually they were granted that wish and their local leadership was shown the Place and they agreed.

"There was a breakthrough since both sides accepted that this was where the protest would take place. They reached an agreement based on five points, which have been widely informed. After this, the parties signed a code of conduct, which is composed of 37 points. "

"I will now proceed to inform you about three aspects regarding the government's response to the & # 39; Azadi March & # 39 ;.

"The first was that wherever the march begins, we [the government] I would not stop them and facilitate them. The prime minister has been personally monitoring the situation from multiple sources. Any illegality that protesters have committed in these last four days is not something I want to stop at, ask me off the record. In these four days, 20-25,000 have moved from Karachi to Gujar Khan and the government has facilitated them along the way. We have given them water, electricity at their stops and traffic plans to get here without adverse incidents.

"Now that they are almost here, I can also tell you what the agreed plan is so that you can monitor it yourself. The protesters who have arrived from Karachi will enter from Rawat, the Islamabad highway and proceed to Faizabad. [Interchange]; from there to I-9. When they arrive at 9th Avenue, they will descend to the left side before the Kashmir Road and arrive at their place. The Maulana container has been given a separate route so that it can arrive comfortably and go directly to the stage.

"Protesters arriving from other places will congregate around 4 p.m. and will be at Maulana's order and will call to proceed to the land. We will give them the necessary security at each stage.

"The second aspect is the preparation of the site. Please go see for yourself. All the bushes have been removed and the area has been cleaned. Water lines, electricity and sanitary facilities have been installed. Places have been marked for their hotels, we are doing everything possible to make them comfortable […] They will feel as comfortable as in the Pearl Continental.

"Thirdly, when all these brothers and gentlemen have arrived there, and I hope they all arrive safely, all government actions will not be to bother the protesters, and I say it under oath, but for the safety of the masses and the security of the protesters and, above all, the security of Maulana sahab".