Section 144 in Rawalpindi ahead of PTI protest

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab government on Friday imposed Section 144 in the Rawalpindi district for two days, effectively banning all public gatherings, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called on supporters to assemble at Liaquat Bagh.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department on September 27, the government cited concerns over possible disruptions, stating that "miscreants" and "mischief-mongers" could exploit the gathering to conduct "subversive and anti-state activities" in pursuit of their own "nefarious designs."

The order also extended the restrictions to Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock districts, with the aim of maintaining public order and securing key installations and buildings. Section 144(6) was imposed to prevent any untoward incidents or threats to public safety.

The notification explicitly bans all political assemblies, protests, rallies, sit-ins, and other similar activities throughout the weekend. In addition, the carrying of weapons has been strictly prohibited in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock to further mitigate risks.

In response to the government's decision, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan released a video message urging PTI supporters to gather at Liaquat Bagh on Saturday.

"I call upon all of you to join us at 2 p.m. at Liaquat Bagh. This is our legal and constitutional right," Ayub said, rallying PTI supporters despite the imposed restrictions.

It is pertinent to note that the PTI's last rally in Lahore ended abruptly as police shut down the event after the 6 pm deadline passed, and key leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Omar Ayub, had not arrived at the venue.

Moreover, in anticipation of PTI's planned protests at Liaquat Bagh and other key locations, Rawalpindi police have rolled out a detailed security plan to maintain law and order.

A total of 34 security pickets have been established across major roads and junctions in the city, including Central Jail Adiala, Murree Road, Faizabad, and Peshawar Road, with heavy police deployment already in place.

Containers are also being moved to block key routes in order to control movement.

In addition to the police, six companies of Rangers have been called in to assist with maintaining peace, with four stationed in Rawalpindi and two in Attock.

The overall command and control of the operation will be managed by City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani.

Security around Central Jail Adiala has been heightened, with additional forces deployed at newly set-up police pickets. The decision has also been made to completely seal off the area surrounding Murree Road and Liaquat Bagh using containers and barriers.

In Rawal Division, nine security checkpoints have been established at key locations including Faizabad, Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Hamza Camp Turn, and Pirwadhai Mor, with police personnel stationed at each site.

Similarly, the Potohar Division has seen the creation of 14 police pickets at critical junctions such as MH Chowk, T&T Chowk, Shalimar Chowk, and Saddar Kutchery Chowk. In the Saddar Division, 11 pickets have been set up, covering areas like Central Jail Adiala, Biscuit Factory Chowk, and Mandra Toll Plaza.

To ensure round-the-clock vigilance, two patrol teams have been formed within the jurisdiction of each police station, while five elite anti-riot sections have been put on standby. In addition, a team of 20 female police officers, led by the Women's SHO, has also been placed on standby.

Supervision across the divisions will be managed by divisional SPs, while district-wide oversight falls under the purview of SSP Operations. The entire operation will be commanded by CPO Khalid Hamdani.