Garrison city braces for long closure

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi administration has started placing containers and other blockades on thoroughfares ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek- e-Insaf’s long march that is expected to leave for Islamabad from Lahore on Friday.

Heavy contingents of the police and Rangers have also been deployed on Murree Road, Liaquat Road, Moti Mahal Chowk, Committee Chowk and other roads to maintain law and order situation.

Security of all sensitive installations, buildings and areas in Rawalpindi city and Cantonment have been beefed up ahead of the expected arrival of the PTI’s long march participants in Rawalpindi.

Sources said that all security agencies and police have also been put on red alert.

A ward has also been vacated in Adiala jail to keep PTI workers after the possible arrests in case they resort to violence and create a law-and-order situation.

Citizens have also started stocking ration ahead of the PTI’s long march as the city always bears the brunt of political marches that end up
converging on the federal capital or Faizabad.

All PTI activists have gone underground to avoid arrests with most of them hiding in Rawalpindi’s adjacent areas.

Rawalpindi police and district administration have also completed preparations to deal with any situation.

All police personnel have been put on red alert by cancelling their leaves. Special Branch has also prepared lists of PTI activists, officials and lawmakers and provided them to all police stations.

An emergency will be imposed in all hospitals in the city from October 31 to November 5.

Sources said that the PTI leadership has given local workers a target of mobilising at least 30,000 people in Rawalpindi and Islamabad districts for the long march.

All MNAs and municipal candidates have been given separate targets to mobilise people from each union council and ward.

Rawalpindi police have decided not to resort to the use of ammunition in case of a clash with PTI activists. Sources said the police force has been given anti-riot equipment along with catapults.

Sources said that the anti-riot squad will remain in front to deal with the protesters or those welcoming them on their arrival.

The force will have tear-gas shells, guns, batons, shields, and other safety equipment.

Meanwhile, private schools, teachers’ unions and traders have opposed the PTI’s long march saying it will not only take a toll on the city but also on businesses, education and health and other sectors.

While PTI-affiliated traders have announced their full participation in the long march.

All-Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges’ Association President Irfan Muzaffar Kayani said that long marches take a heavy toll on students after the closure of educational institutions.

He said that political parties should resolve problems through negotiations.

Teachers including Shafiq Bhalwalia, Basharat Iqbal Raja and others said that the closure of schools will further take a toll on the already shot academic session of this year.