The Rawalpindi administration has imposed Section 144 in the city to maintain law and order ahead of the “Ya Aqsa Million March” called by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.
“The decision was made in a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee to ensure law and order in the city,” said Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema.
A four-day ban on public gatherings has been imposed in Rawalpindi from October 8 to 11, covering processions, rallies, dharnas, and public assemblies. The restrictions also include pillion riding and using speakers to deliver inflammatory speeches, according to the official notification.
An important police meeting led by CPO Hamdani included SSPs of Operations and Investigation, Divisional SPs, and SDPOs, who reviewed security arrangements and issued strict instructions to officers.
“Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to take the law into their own hands or block roads. Any violent activity under the guise of protest will be dealt with firmly,” said CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani.
Police have devised a comprehensive strategy, and under the plan, a crackdown has already led to the detention of 117 active TLP workers, according to police sources.
Authorities have deployed containers at city intersections and along major roads, which will be used to block key routes if necessary, including Murree Road and areas around Faizabad.
Authorities to seal Red Zone in Islamabad
The Islamabad administration has also decided to seal the city’s Red Zone ahead of a planned protest and rally by TLP.
According to sources, over 70 containers have been deployed at key entry points into Islamabad following the administrative decision to secure the area.
“Police personnel will also be stationed along entry routes, and both the Red Zone and the Extended Red Zone will be fully sealed,” a government official said.
In view of potential security risks, the administration has suspended Metro Bus services in Islamabad until Friday. Authorities have also instructed all government and private schools along Murree Road to remain closed.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the Agricultural University has declared a holiday, citing law and order concerns in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The university administration has sent notifications to the heads of all departments, instructing the suspension of academic and administrative activities.
The decision comes amid heightened security measures in the twin cities to prevent disruptions and ensure public safety as TLP has called for a march from Faizabad to the US Embassy on Friday, October 10.
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