All set for PML-N’s power show

In preparation for the upcoming political rally by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) at

Rawalpindi’s historic venue of Liaquat Bagh, security and traffic measures have been meticulously put in place.

In this regard, over 2,000 officers from the district police and more than 200 personnel from the city traffic police are set to deploy for security duties. The event, scheduled as part of the 2024 election campaign, will witness a political display featuring party president Mian Shahbaz Sharif.

Rawalpindi police have ensured comprehensive security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful gathering. Senior officers, numbering around 2,000, will be on security duty, with oversight from the SSP operations.

Additionally, a traffic plan has been devised to regulate and divert traffic flow during the political event. Talking to The Express Tribune, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan revealed that approximately 210 officers and officials from the city traffic police, including four DSPs, 35 traffic inspectors, and over 160 traffic wardens and assistants, will manage traffic duties until the conclusion of the rally.

Several diversions will be implemented on routes leading to the venue. Liaquat Road (from Liaquat Bagh Chowk to DA College Chowk) will be closed to traffic. Murrir Road, from Muree Chowk to Committee Chowk towards Islamabad, and Committee Chowk to Moti Mahal Turn (towards Murrir Chowk) will remain closed for traffic. Moreover, traffic from Saddar to Liaquat Bagh will be diverted from DA College Chowk.

Read  PML-N, PPP to stage rallies at Liaquat Bagh

CTO Taimoor Khan outlined the traffic diversion plan for various routes, ensuring smooth traffic flow during the event. He emphasised that specific parking areas have been designated for participants and media representatives. Parking spaces include areas around Murrir Chowk to TM Chowk on both sides, Moti Mahal Cinema, Tipu Road, Sasta Bazaar Committee Chowk/Dhok Khabba Road, Nogaza Road, and Wapda Hospital.

For media representatives, separate parking has been allocated on Press Club Road. The Rawalpindi CTO appealed to the residents and participants of the rally to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, utilise designated parking spaces, maintain peace, and avoid unnecessary travel during the specified period.

On Thursday, the district administration allowed two major political parties – the PML-N and the PPP – to hold political rallies at Rawalpindi’s historic venue ahead of the February 8 elections.

Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema formally gave conditional permission to both parties after a high-level committee’s endorsement. The PPP is set to conduct a power show in Liaquat Bagh on January 28.

A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued for Liaquat Bagh public meetings has asked the organisers to submit the list of those who will sit on the stage. There will be a ban on aerial firing, display of weapons and speeches against the state institutions.

According to the SOP, no worker will present flower bouquets to the leaders sitting on the stage for security reasons. Benches, flower plants and flower patterns will not be damaged, flower pots will not be broken, and flowers will not be plucked.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2024.