Bus terminals sealed as PTI protest looms

Transport terminals in Rawalpindi have been ordered to shut down indefinitely as part of the government's broader plan to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Government's (PTI) planned protest.

Rawalpindi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has issued directives, warning that legal action under the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969 would be taken against violators.

According to the official communique, authorities are intensifying preparations to manage the upcoming protest.

As part of these measures, transport hubs, including the Class-C General Bus Stand at Pirwadhai, Class-D bus stands, and urban transport operators, have been directed to suspend operations from 9pm on November 22 until further notice.

The order mandates that terminals remain closed and be physically barricaded and sealed.

The notice also makes it clear that owners and administrators failing to comply will face legal proceedings under the motor vehicle rules.

The directives have been communicated to RTA officials, Rawalpindi's city police officer, and the chief traffic officer.

Moreover, authorities in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have bolstered security to ward off potential sabotage activities.

Security officials fear PTI supporters may bring illicit arms into the federal capital in the guise of the demonstration, putting the security of sensitive installations at risk.

A week before, police had intensified preparations to prevent a planned protest by the PTI in Islamabad on Sunday (today), as authorities vowed to take strict action against those attempting to disrupt law and order.

A total of 10,700 officers have been placed on standby across the province. An official memo issued by the Additional Inspector General outlined the mobilisation of personnel from various police units.

Moreover, the Rawalpindi police have cancelled the leaves of all officers and personnel in response to the PTI protest. Officers on leave were ordered to return to duty immediately to ensure law and order during the protest. Those failing to comply with the orders face potential dismissal. To ensure full preparedness, the leave of all officers and personnel, except for emergency situations, were revoked.

CPO Khalid Hamdani issued a directive to all divisional SPs, SDPOs, SSP Operations, and other relevant authorities, instructing them to ensure that all officers and personnel return to their assigned duties promptly.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has imposed Section 144 in the district for six days in view of the PTI protest on November 24.