Government established a special cell in Ministry of Interior to monitor the Lawyers' Long March and make sure the foolproof security arrangements all over the country.
The provincial and district governments in whose jurisdiction is the route of the long march were asked to give minute-by-minute report to special cell in the Interior Ministry to avoid any subversive activity, sources in the Interior Ministry said.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior, Rehman Malik has directed the provincial and district governments to keep vigil on the march and give up-to-date report, they said. In Islamabad a foolproof security plan was also evolved for the 'long march' which started from Karachi on Monday and will reaches Islamabad on Wednesday (June 12). Police and other law enforcement agencies were put on high alert with heavy security cover to avert any sort of disruptive activity.
Government has decided to facilitate the participants of the long march until they remain peaceful, the sources said, adding that no one would be allowed to take law into hand or create any law and order situation. Any such element would be dealt with iron hands.
Bomb disposal squad, water tankers, fire brigade and ambulances would remain along with the marchers, the sources said, adding that walk-through gates and close circuit cameras would be installed on the places of rallies during march.
They said that it will be government effort to bring participants of the march towards Jinnah Avenue via Faisal Avenue instead of Constitution Avenue. There are chances of scuffle at Constitution Avenue because heavy contingents of police and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed outside foreign office and diplomatic enclave, they said, adding, that government wants to avoid any clash.
Participants of the long march would be allowed to stay on Jinnah Avenue but far from the D-Chowk, they said. It is pertinent to note that the government has decided to take part in the long march besides providing all possible facilities to lawyers, political and civil society activists coming to Islamabad.
They want to change the restoration of judiciary march into removal of Musharraf movement. Lawyers, political and civil society activists taking part in long march would be allowed to stay in Jinnah Avenue for many days to put pressure on Musharraf for resignation. The change in the PPP policy after long meeting of President Musharraf with senior journalists, PPP leadership has changed its tone.