The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI)’s Crisis and Disaster Management crew sealed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretariat in Sector G-eight for violating the Islamabad Fire Prevention and Life Safety Regulations, 2010.
Notice and Violations
Before sealing, we sent a notice to the Secretariat’s administration stating that our physical inspection revealed severe fire safety and emergency preparedness deficiencies.
Key findings included:
- There needs to be more fire extinguishers, with the few available expired.
- A non-functional automatic fire detection system.
- A broken manual alarm system.
- Lack of emergency lights and exit signs.
- Absence of water storage for firefighting, water pumps, floor numbering, emergency
- evacuation plans, and smoke extraction measures.
- Substandard electrical wiring.The notice warned that legal action would be taken if these issues were not addressed.
Judicial Proceedings
In related news, Judicial Magistrate and Duty Judge Abbas Shah ordered a two-day physical remand for PTI’s central spokesperson, Rauf Hassan, and other party workers. Additionally, two female PTI workers were sent to jail on judicial remand.
FIA’s Request and PTI’s Defense
During the court hearing, FIA officials requested a ten-day physical remand to recover social media accounts and devices. Latif Khosa, PTI’s lawyer, argued that someone had previously sealed the PTI office and that the Islamabad High Court had ordered them to reopen it. Khosa contended that the government continuously shifted its stance, labeling PTI as a terrorist organization at one point and threatening to ban it at another.
Historical Context and Arrests
Khosa highlighted that people had similarly accused historical figures like Fatima Jinnah, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Benazir Bhutto of being traitors, paralleling the current accusations against PTI’s founder. He also mentioned that authorities arrested women who came to the Secretariat to collect their tickets.
Court Proceedings and Accusations
The investigating officer read out the FIR, which is registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Khosa noted that all records, including mobile phones. Were in the custody of the authorities, and even a water cooler had been taken. He expressed his frustration, comparing the situation to an Indian military operation.
The sealing of the Tehreek-e-Insaf Central Secretariat for fire safety violations. The subsequent legal proceedings against PTI members reflect ongoing tensions between the party and authorities. The Islamabad High Court’s involvement and the broader implications of these actions highlight the significant legal and political challenges facing PTI.
