The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi Division for two days as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) announces to hold protest in the city today.
The notification, issued by the Punjab Home Department, prohibits all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, protests and similar activities.
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The development comes as PTI had initially planned to hold a rally in Rawalpindi today which was later turned into a demonstration as announced by the party’s founder Imran Khan on Friday.
On the recommendations of the Rawalpindi district administration, a request has been made to the Federal Ministry of Interior for the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi and Attock. Four companies of Rangers are expected to be stationed in Rawalpindi and in Attock, the publication reported.
Authorities have sealed Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh from all sides as well as the road leading to the venue. Faizabad, Shamsabad, Chandni Chowk, Rehmanabad, and Committee Chowk have also been blocked off by placing containers and wires.
With the metro bus service also suspended, the road leading from Faizabad Expressway to Pirwadhai has been closed for traffic along with all the ones leading to Rawalpindi from the Faizabad bridge.
Also, the routes connecting Faizabad to Murree Road have also been blocked with containers.
However, Islamabad Expressway and Faizabad flyover are open for traffic along with IJP Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Road.
Furthermore, the Islamabad police have ramped up security measures around the High Security Zone, as high-profile cases continue to be heard in the courts.
Apart from Rawalpindi, the Section 144 directives will also be enforced in Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal districts.
As Per reports CM KPK Ali Amin head to Rawalpindi in a convoy from Swabi, and workers have been instructed to be fully prepared for the journey.
All officials from Northern Punjab had been assigned specific tasks in preparation for the event. Members of the national and provincial assemblies from 10 districts of northern Punjab have been instructed to bring along 100 workers each.
On the other hand, the police have begun monitoring all hotels and inns throughout the city to ensure security during the protest.
