Security tightened to avert unrest

Police set up 41 pickets, deploy 850 cops to tackle protests, emergency situation

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Police remained on high alert on Friday, implementing extensive security measures across the city and its surrounding areas to address anticipated protests by political and religious parties, prevent terrorism and acts of sabotage, and maintain law and order.

As part of the comprehensive security plan, the police established 41 pickets and diversion points at key locations across the district. More than 850 police officers and personnel were deployed to maintain security throughout the day.

The deployment included three Superintendents of Police (SPs), nine Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 30 Inspectors and Station House Officers (SHOs), 132 upper subordinates, and 478 constables. In addition, two Elite Force sections, 200 personnel of the Anti-Riot Management Force, and two Dolphin Force teams remained on operational duty to respond to any emergency situation.

Under the security plan, 13 police pickets and diversion points were established in the Rawal Division at key locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Moti Mahal Turn, Murree Road Committee Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Rawal Road Turn, Sixth Road Chowk, Faizabad towards Islamabad, and near Faiz-ul-Islam.

In the Potohar Division, 18 pickets and diversion points were set up at Koral Chowk, Inaad Chowk, Fauji Tower, Kachehri Chowk, Khawaja Corporation, Swan Bridge, Metro Station Saddar, TM Chowk Saddar, Jhawara, and Mehrabad.

Meanwhile, 10 pickets and diversion points were established in the Saddar Division at Dahgal, Akbar Chowk on Girja Road, Thalian, Chakri Interchange, Jorian Chowk, Chak Beli Road, Mandrah Toll Plaza, GT Road Gujar Khan, Daultala Mor, Kallar Chowk, and Murid Chowk.

Police personnel deployed at every picket were instructed to remain equipped with anti-riot gear and protective equipment. The Anti-Riot Management Force was fully equipped with rubber bullet guns, tear gas launchers, tear gas shells, and other crowd-control equipment to deal with any untoward situation.

Senior police officers directed that SHOs should remain mobile within their respective jurisdictions rather than remain stationed at a single picket. They were instructed to respond immediately to any law and order situation and act strictly in accordance with the law and the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Officers were also instructed not to allow personnel to gather at one location unnecessarily and to continue briefing the force regularly on security responsibilities and operational preparedness.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Malik Tariq Mehboob supervised the overall security arrangements, while City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani oversaw the command and control of the security operation.