Govt bolsters plan to forestall PTI's march

Punjab clamps Section 144 ahead of Nov 24 rally, Islamabad sees influx of reinforcements, PTI decides to contest

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to flex its muscles on November 24, the government has rolled out extensive security measures, including invoking Section 144 across Punjab for three days and deploying thousands of personnel in the federal capital to maintain law and order.

The Punjab government followed the federal government's lead on Friday by invoking Section 144 from November 23 to 25, banning public gatherings, rallies and processions.

The decision was taken during the 18th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, aimed at safeguarding lives and property amid rising security concerns.

Officials warned that public gatherings could serve as "soft targets for terrorists," with anti-state elements potentially exploiting such events to advance their agendas.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the rally, major reinforcements have been dispatched to Islamabad. Punjab has sent 19,000 personnel, Sindh 5,000 officers, the Frontier Corps 5,000, and Azad Kashmir police 1,000.

For the first time, high-ranking officers accompany the contingents, with district-level commanders overseeing their teams. The Punjab inspector general is also in Islamabad to coordinate efforts.

Section 144

Rawalpindi police, supported by Rangers, have sealed over 70 locations, including city entrances, Murree Road, and key routes connecting Islamabad. Containers and barricades have been placed at strategic points, and police pickets have been established at more than 65 locations. Around 4,800 personnel, including women officers, are on duty to prevent unrest.

Transport disruptions and closures

The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been suspended indefinitely, and the Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all bus terminals, citing potential tensions.

Private hostels have also been vacated, forcing students to seek alternative accommodations.

Adding to the disruptions, the National Highway and Motorway Police announced the closure of major motorways, including those connecting Peshawar, Lahore and Islamabad, for "maintenance" starting November 22 evening.

Lahore's Ring Road will also remain closed from 8 am to 6 pm on November 23-24, further complicating travel for residents and commuters.

PTI to challenge IHC ruling

Meanwhile, PTI announced its intent to contest the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision barring rallies during the Belarusian president's visit.

PTI's legal counsel Faisal Chaudhry confirmed that party chief Imran Khan had directed legal teams to challenge the ruling, reiterating that the protests would remain peaceful.

Addressing the media outside Adiala Jail, the PTI leader dismissed "misinterpretations" of Bushra Bibi's recent statements, stressing that the party was committed to strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties.

'No protest allowed'

On the other hand, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted that no protests, sit-ins or rallies would be allowed, as per IHC's orders. "We will enforce the court's decision 100%. Any harm caused will be the responsibility of PTI," he said.

While hinting at discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about forming a committee for negotiations with PTI, the minister warned against any attempts at sit-ins.

"If PTI plans a sit-in, things will become difficult," he cautioned. Responding to criticism about blocking roads, he said, "I agree roads, businesses, and internet services shouldn't be disrupted, but tell me, what else can we do in such a scenario?"

He also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government, questioning their priorities amid security challenges in the province.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Ali Amin Gandapur maintains connections with the establishment, saying that his importance within the party was linked to these ties.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Asif alleged that Gandapur's interactions with the establishment were evident from his compliant behaviour during the apex committee meetings. "This raises valid suspicions," he added.