800 policemen deployed in Lahore ahead of PTI's rally

DIG Operations rejects claims that PTI supporters have been arrested

LAHORE: Lahore Police deployed 800 policemen, including the quick response force and Mujahid Squad in different parts of the city, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters gathered to head towards the federal capital for the party rally scheduled for tomorrow.

DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said the police would ensure security for PTI supporters and leadership.

“We will not be stopping any PTI supporters and leaders from going to Islamabad for the rally today or tomorrow as well,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.

Rejected PTI claims that police is raiding their houses, the DIG Operations said, “No one from PTI has been arrested and neither are we stopping anyone."

Another senior police official told The Express Tribune that many people aren’t leaving Lahore for Islamabad.

“Around 800 policemen are a reasonable number to provide security to 3,000 to 4,000 people approximately, who are leaving Lahore in cars and other modes of transport,” he said.

Further, he added 500 policemen are on reserve in case of an untoward incident and the police force in all divisions have been alerted as well.