KP Bans Use of Government Resources, Employees’ Participation in PTI March
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally banned the use of provincial government resources and the participation of government employees in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march towards Islamabad scheduled for September 27.
In light of directions from the Islamabad High Court, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Shahab Ali Shah has issued instructions prohibiting all government employees from participating in any march, rally or procession heading towards Islamabad.
A letter issued by the chief secretary was sent to the Inspector General of Police, administrative secretaries, all commissioners and deputy commissioners, and heads of provincial departments and institutions.
The letter makes it clear that no government employee may participate in any march, rally or procession travelling to Islamabad, nor provide any assistance or facilitation to protesters.
The chief secretary also prohibited the use of government vehicles, machinery or any other official resources for the proposed procession.
According to the instructions, no government official should be compelled to comply with any order intended to facilitate the protest. If any official is pressured or forced to do so, they have been directed to immediately inform the chief secretary or the inspector general of police.
### Protection of Public Life and Freedom of Movement
The chief secretary’s letter states that any march or procession that disrupts citizens’ freedom of movement, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities or peaceful use of property in Islamabad will not be tolerated.
Police authorities have been directed to comply with court orders and take action against unlawful gatherings in accordance with the law.
### Court Proceedings
The directives come as PTI has announced a march towards Islamabad for September 27.
During proceedings before the Islamabad High Court regarding a petition related to the proposed long march, the court had sought affidavits from the KP chief secretary and inspector general of police concerning the non-use of government machinery.
At the September 11 hearing, both officials submitted their affidavits to the court. During the September 14 hearing, the KP inspector general assured the court that protesters would be dispersed in accordance with the law in the event of any unlawful activity or unconstitutional gathering.
The latest instructions reiterate the provincial government’s position that official resources and government employees cannot be used to facilitate the proposed political march.
