ISLAMABAD, October 27: In a dramatic response to the Islamabad administration’s order against public gatherings, Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid has said that he will “tear Section 144 into 144 pieces.”
“On Nov 2, Rawalpindi will be closed down no matter what anyone does,” Rasheed told reporters Thursday adding, “from Chandi Chowk till Islamabad, people will come out onto the streets.”
“We have not even started yet, we will start on Friday from Lal Haveli,” he added, referring to an old building in downtown Bohar Bazaar that serves as his political office.
“Congratulations, Nawaz Sharif, congratulations Shahbaz Sharif! You have started the game, now we will make sure you meet your end.”
He denounced imposition of Section-144 in the federal capital and said that no matter the circumstances, the twin cities would remain closed on November 2.
Referring to the government body’s reservations over celebratory push-ups of national cricket team on the picth after winning matches, Rasheed said that he never saw a government that was ‘afraid’ of push-ups. He said that the people would come out to protest against the government all the way from Chandni Chowk to Islamabad and escort the leaders of the nation to their ‘fate’. Earlier, District Magistrate of Islamabad Capt (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed imposed Section 144 of the criminal procedure code (CrPC) in Islamabad for two months, creating another obstacle for Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) planned siege of Islamabad on November 2. Under the order, the carrying and display of weapons and use of loudspeakers has been prohibited. Sectioئn 144 also prohibits public gatherings of five or more persons, rallies and demonstrations within Islamabad. “No person other than the members of armed forces, civilian law enforcement agencies, Rangers and police on duty shall carry firearms or display firearms within the revenue/territorial limits of district Islamabad,” said the notification issued by the magistrate’s office.-Sabah
