n olden days, the people of Karachi had internalised specific routes when clashes between workers of a political party, law enforcement and ethnic groups became a common occurrence. Gradually, better sense prevailed and the metropolitan city is now open to its residents and sightseers.

The situation in Islamabad on May 25 reminded many of Karachi’s troubled days and nights. In recent years, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has become the most dreaded party in the city.

Looking at PTI’s recent marches, there are clear indicators of disruption of public life and safety. The city had been containered well before the marchers’ arrival. Police reinforcements were called in. Office holidays were announced. Four of the country’s most prestigious universities are in Islamabad. All of them were shut down.

Thousands of students living in hostels were forced to leave overnight. Since it was a protest called by a big political party and led by a former prime minister, the application seeking permission for it at H-9 Ground was sent to various organs of security agencies.

In light of reports that forecast violence, the permission was initially denied. The city administration echoed these apprehensions when the matter was taken up in court. During the hearing, the PTI claimed that 50,000 people were scheduled to attend. The H-9 ground can barely hold 10,000 people. Based on its capacity, the remaining people were expected to spill onto the streets.

Following a court order, the city administration began preparations for a gathering at H-9 Ground. Lights and cameras were installed. Meetings between representatives of the ruling party and the PTI were scheduled to discuss timings.

But then the former prime minister, Imran Khan, instructed his followers across the country to march to D Chowk instead.

Although Islamabad was sealed on the outside, roads within the city were not blocked. This allowed PTI workers in posh areas of I-8, F-6 and DHA to reach D Chowk and the Red Zone.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon, a recent appointment, says that he walked along Jinnah Avenue and found that people from across the country had managed to reach the city.

“This simply cannot happen in any government office. Everything is accounted for. Every shell released is registered in the log book and its use is made part of the official record. This record is audited.”

Several trees in the Blue Area were set ablaze. There were scuffles with the police who used teargas to break up the crowds. Memon states, “We are still working to estimate the damage to the city on May 25 and 26.”

According to Imran Asghar, a senior crime reporter from Rawalpindi, “Rioting can generally be prevented if the Punjab supports Islamabad. The Islamabad IGP was himself present on the Rawalpindi-Islamabad border. The police made sure that Jhelum and Attock bridges were not crossed by large vehicles. Dirt-filled dump trucks were parked along these bridges.” Tehreek-i-Labbaik protesters had used cranes to remove such obstructions on their way. There was a suggestion to weld the trucks in place.

Asghar says caterers and tent providers were told not to offer their services to the political party if it managed to bring large numbers of people to Islamabad. A breach was made on Attock bridge leading to infiltration of the city. For this, the Attock district police officer (DPO) has been removed. Rawalpindi got a new City Police Officer at the last moment, who is known for a mechanical approach to the job. According to SP Rana Wahab, “These operations succeed through coordination at the level of the Interior Ministry.”

Memon denies that the police used excessive police force or too many teargas shells. “This simply cannot happen in a government office. Everything is accounted for. Every shell released is registered in the log book and its use is made part of the official record. This record is audited. In Islamabad, the DC is also the magistrate. The anti-riot material is used with my permission when necessary to maintain order,” he concludes.

On Thursday, the city government released a notification prohibiting the brandishing of weapons. Some Jamaat-i-Islami workers visited the Blue Area and planted saplings to replace the trees that were torched. Many citizens have regretted the burning of trees and held walks to demand better protection of their city.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also announced plans to hold political gatherings to show solidarity for the country following a statement by Imran Khan warning of split and secession. The party is highlighting the fact that only recently Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a march from Karachi to Islamabad without disturbing public life. The PPP workers left Islamabad soon afterwards. The party is expected to hold some gatherings in Islamabad in the days to come, but given their track record, it’s safe to state that these gatherings will not disturb city life in a big way.

The writer teaches development support communication at International Islamic University Islamabad.   Twitter: @HassanShehzadZ   Email: Hassan.shehzad@iiui.edu.pk