Dharna supplies: Pindi police prep for PTI protest

Begin impounding containers, request additional equipment as party promises to close down capital

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi police have started impounding containers and trawlers in a bid to block roads leading to the twin cities in what appears to be a bid to undermine PTI’s November 2 sit-in. In addition, the police have also sought more safety and anti-riot gear, it has been learnt.

Senior police officers have tasked the station house officers in charge of areas around GT Road, Peshawar Road, and Islamabad Expressway to impound containers and use them to block the roads to stop Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) workers from entering the twin cities.

A senior police officer confided to The Express Tribune that containers were impounded at Pirwadhai, Rawat Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Faizabad, Soan Bus Stand, and IJP Road.

The owners, drivers, and conductors of the impounded containers protested against the police outside Sadiqabad Police Station and demanded the return of their vehicles and property.

Meanwhile, the police’s top brass is set to launch a crackdown against local PTI and AML leaders and key office bearers to prevent them from closing down Islamabad.

The leaves of all police personnel have also been cancelled.

Separately, Rawalpindi police have demanded 5,000 long-range teargas shells, 2,000 short range shells, 50 teargas guns, and 300 gasmasks to add to equipment that is already available. Further, the police have sought 300 12-bore shotguns and 10,000 rubber bullets in addition to the available stock.

Furthermore, the police have asked for 2,000 batons, 2,000 riot helmets, 2,000 riot jacket, 2,000 riot shields, 500 shin guards, and 500 arm guards in addition to the available stock.

Closing down the town

Meanwhile, PTI’s Rawalpindi chapter renewed its pledge to lockdown Islamabad on November 2 despite the crackdowns and hindrances created by the police. They including MPA Ijaz Khan Jazzi and PTI Traders Wing vice president Sarwar Shah Afridi said the party would participate in a public gathering arranged by AML President Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on October 28 at Lal Haveli.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2016.