PTI jalsa: Punjab government calls in military for Lahore security

The Punjab government has requested the deployment of the military in Lahore to secure sensitive buildings and key locations, including airports and other significant infrastructure, officials said.

The move follows a similar deployment of the armed forces in Islamabad, Express News reported.

According to documents released by the Punjab government, a formal request was sent to the federal government for military assistance in maintaining order across six districts of the province.

The decision to call in the army comes amid rising concerns over the security of critical buildings as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepared for a protest at Lahore's iconic Minar-e-Pakistan.

The military personnel will take control of sensitive structures and airports, among other vital sites. Punjab’s Home Department confirmed that a letter had been sent to the federal government, asking for troops to be stationed across vulnerable areas.

Earlier, authorities in Lahore sealed off all roads leading to Minar-e-Pakistan, placing containers at key access points, cutting off routes around the area.

The protest, announced by PTI for 2 pm, prompted the deployment of heavy security across the city.

Law enforcement officials were stationed at all major entry points, and central roads were blocked to prevent any disturbance or unrest.

Security forces also closed off roads from Kasur, Thokar Niaz Baig, Kahna Nau, and Canal Road, further limiting access to the protest site. Lahore’s residents, anticipating delays and disruptions, adjusted their daily activities as the situation unfolded.

However, PTI has selected six alternative locations across the city for the demonstrations, including Data Darbar, Ravi Bridge, and the railway station, with three additional sites yet to be finalised.

The decision to alter the plan came after provincial authorities blocked major roads throughout Lahore using containers, making it impossible for protesters to reach the original location.

PTI workers are expected to gather at the newly designated spots, with further instructions from the party expected soon.

In response to the protests, the provincial government has made extensive preparations, which include the deployment of heavy security forces, the imposition of Section 144, and the arrest of over 250 PTI activists.

Authorities have placed containers at entry and exit points of the city, disrupting traffic flow, particularly around the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Thokar Niaz Baig.

Rangers and police have been stationed in key areas, with additional forces deployed near Data Darbar and other protest sites. Police have set up camps on the Azadi Flyover to manage the situation.

Despite these measures, no No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued by the Deputy Commissioner, leaving the status of the protests uncertain.

The Punjab government has enforced Section 144, prohibiting political gatherings in Lahore until October 8, while similar restrictions are in place in Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock until later dates.

Pillion riding has also been banned in Rawalpindi and Attock for Friday and Saturday.

The crackdown on PTI workers continued in Islamabad, with reports of severe shelling and arrests, including the detention of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and activist Azam Khan. More than 1,600 activists have been arrested across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Army deployed

Earlier on Friday, the federal government called in the army troops in Islamabad, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and several high-profile visits later this month in the wake of the protest calls given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The decision to call in the army came on the heels of a complete lockdown of the twin cities because of the PTI's planned protest at D-Chowk - right in front of parliament in the Red Zone - with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowing to reach there at any cost.

The army has been deployed in addition to the paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel. A notification issued by the interior ministry stated that the army would remain in the capital from October 5 to 17 for maintaining law and order situation.