Police on high alert ahead of PTI protest

Authorities mull blocking roads leading to protest venue in Islamabad

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi police are on high alert as they prepare for a potential PTI protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on October 4 (today). More than 4,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.

According to Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani, the police will strictly enforce the law without exceptions.

The former premier Imran Khan has called for the protest, prompting authorities to implement stringent security measures in the federal capital. In response, the Rawalpindi police are conducting raids to apprehend individuals linked to previous protests, particularly those involved in the September 28 cases.

Over 150 leaders and workers have been arrested so far.

Authorities have decided to seal key roads leading to Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with heavy police presence and the placement of containers and barriers at strategic locations. These areas include Rawat T Chowk, Khanna Pul, Shakrial, Gulzar Quaid at Koral, Sadiqabad, and Faizabad.

Additional roadblocks will be placed at Faizabad Interchange, Pandora Chongi, Katarian, Khayaban Sirsyed Chowk, Chak Madad, and other key points. The process of road closures will begin on Thursday and Friday night.

CPO Hamdani confirmed that comprehensive security measures are in place to maintain peace. Police will be stationed at all city entrances, exits, and major highways. Specially trained forces are on standby to respond to any potential disturbances. Law enforcement will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt peace or damage property, with miscreants being identified using CCTV cameras placed throughout the city.

In response to the September 28 protests, authorities blocked over 30 locations in Rawalpindi and deployed a heavy police force at 34 checkpoints. Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly aiding protesters.

Six cases have been registered in five police stations against over 100 leaders and 450 unidentified activists, with more than 1,200 arrests made so far. Raids are ongoing.

To mitigate the impact of the protest on essential services, City Traffic Police Rawalpindi has deployed emergency vehicles and ambulances to ensure the smooth transportation of patients. Emergency helplines are available for drivers needing assistance during road closures.