PHOTO: ISPR
ISLAMABAD: The capital police have finalised security arrangements for the peaceful celebrations scheduled to mark Pakistan Day events, to be held on Friday (today).
Police said over 2,000 personnel will be deployed to maintain security across Islamabad.
The Faizabad Interchange and roads leading to Parade ground near Faizabad will be closed for all, except for those invited to attend the parade ceremony and have been issued the special passes.
The Islamabad Expressway will also remain closed from Zero Point to Khanna Pul while the Murree Road and IJP Road will also remain shut around Faizabad.
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Commuters have been advised to use alternate routes.
Entry of trucks and other heavy traffic into the capital will also be banned from midnight to 2 pm on Friday.
After a high court granted the government interim relief earlier in the week, the government is expected to follow up with its midweek episode of cellular service suspension in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi with another suspension on Friday as a security measure.
The main event of the day will be an armed forces parade at the parade ground near Faizabad. Troops will march past while the fighter jets will also present a fly-past.
Floats depicting the culture of different regions will also be displayed on the occasion.
Alert issued
The US Embassy on Thursday issued an alert to American citizens warning them of road closures in the capital including intermittent closures on Margalla Road and Constitution Avenue.
It advised its citizens to avoid affected roads and unnecessary travel.
“Consider allowing more time to reach destinations, such as the airport, which require travelling through affected roads.”
According to a police spokesman, on the directive of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Israr Ahmed Khan Abbasi, besides district police, special branch, Elite and Dolphin Force personnel would also perform security duties on Pakistan Day.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2018.
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