No protest or rallies in Islamabad on May 9, warns police

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have warned against taking protest rallies on May 9 and said that they will take strict action against anyone who attempts to take the law into their own hands.

The Pak­istan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has announced its plan to observe the anniversary of May 9 mayhem by holding rallies across the country.

The police have also said that no protests or rallies will be allowed to be held in Islamabad without permission.

In a statement, the Islamabad Police spokesperson said that Section 144 is in force in the city. This means that gatherings of four or more people are prohibited.

The spokesperson also said that the police will not tolerate any chaos and will take action against anyone who violates the law.

PTI announces nationwide ‘peaceful’ protests on May 9

The government has already banned all public gatherings in the city in an attempt to prevent violence.

On May 9, last year, the arrest of Imran Khan on Islamabad High Court’s premises had triggered countrywide protests. During the riots, public and private property was damaged while mobs also attacked military installations.

Later, a crackdown was launched by the government against those who were protesting against the arrest of Mr Khan. They were identified through footage and cell phones tracking and their trials were initiated in military courts.

According to the PTI, over 10,000 of its workers were arrested, but the government claimed it arrested only a few thousand people.