ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad District Administration on Saturday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that it cannot provide space to PTI for a sit-in in light of the security threats to PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Advocate General (AG) Islamabad Jahangir Khan Jadoon submitted a written application in the IHC stating that apart from the security threats, it was also feared that PTI supporters would resort to violence when they reach the federal capital.

The application stated that on Thursday evening, there was an attack on the container of the PTI Chairman in which, unfortunately, he was injured along with several others, whereas one person got serious injuries and passed away in the incident. The AG stated that suspect attacked the convoy as his religious sentiments were hurt and thus, there is a likely chance of such “fanatics” entering the rally, which might lead to similar incidents in the federal capital.

He also reminded the court that such extremist incidents have previously taken place in Islamabad- such as the murder of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and the assassination of former federal minister Shahbaz Bhatti. The AG stated that an incumbent minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and party supporters openly announced to come to Islamabad with arms, weapons, and other material for using against law enforcement agencies.

He further stated that Fawad Chaudhry also threatened the federal government and security agencies in his provocative statements and incite PTI supporters to attack the government and agencies and take revenge by force. “At this stage of the long march, keeping in view the security threats reported from the security agencies, there are serious threats of life to the PTI Chairman, therefore, we are not able to allow PTI to hold jalsa/sit-in in the Islamabad Capital Territory”, the AG apprised the court.

The Advocate General requested the court to dismiss the PTI petition seeking a place for its sit-in in the federal capital. The application was filed by the AG after the IHC directed the PTI leadership to provide a schedule and signed affidavit by November 7 in connection with its long march. The PTI had moved IHC in a bid to secure a place for its jalsa/sit-in in Islamabad.