- District administration seeks deployment of Punjab Rangers.
- Authorities seal Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh from all sides.
- Containers additionally positioned on Rawalpindi’s Murree Street at Faizabad.
RAWALPINDI: The Punjab authorities has imposed Part 144 of the Code of Prison Process (CrPC) in Rawalpindi Division for 2 days as authorities gear up for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest introduced by the previous ruling get together within the metropolis as we speak.
The notification, issued by the Punjab House Division, prohibits all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, protests and comparable actions, The Information reported on Saturday.
The event comes as PTI had initially deliberate to carry a rally in Rawalpindi as we speak which was later became an illustration as introduced by the get together’s founder Imran Khan on Friday.
The previous ruling get together, as introduced by Khan, had additionally withdrawn its utility in search of a no-objection certificates (NOC) to carry a rally from the Lahore Excessive Court docket Rawalpindi bench.
The PTI, as a part of its months-long efforts to safe permission to carry public gatherings, has managed to carry two rallies in Islamabad and Lahore below strict situations in latest weeks.
The Lahore rally, held on September 21, had come to an abrupt finish after police took management of the stage, turning off the microphone and lights, because the occasion exceeded the deadline set by the town officers.
Following the gathering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur introduced that the get together would maintain rallies in Mianwali and Rawalpindi after which an utility was submitted to the latter’s deputy commissioner in search of permission to carry a rally at both Liaquat Bagh or Bhatta Chowk.
Ramped up safety measures
In mild of the potential protests, Metropolis Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani cancelled the go away of the officers ordering all personnel to be on obligation.
On the suggestions of the district administration, a request has been made to the Federal Ministry of Inside for the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi and Attock. 4 corporations of Rangers are anticipated to be stationed in Rawalpindi and in Attock, the publication reported.
Authorities have sealed Liaquat Bagh from all sides in addition to the street resulting in the venue. Faizabad, Shamsabad, Chandni Chowk, Rehmanabad, and Committee Chowk have additionally been blocked off.
The metro bus service has additionally been suspended and containers have been positioned on either side of Rawalpindi’s Murree Street at Faizabad.
Nevertheless, Islamabad Expressway and Faizabad flyover are open for site visitors together with IJP Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Street.
Moreover, the Islamabad police have ramped up safety measures across the Excessive Safety Zone, as high-profile circumstances proceed to be heard within the courts.
Other than Rawalpindi, the Part 144 directives will even be enforced in Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal districts.
Authorities have deployed extra forces in anticipation of potential unrest, notably in response to the PTI attorneys’ deliberate actions, sources revealed. Heavy contingents of police have been deployed on the Structure Avenue and in any respect entry factors of the Pink Zone below the command of SP (Metropolis Zone).
Senior police officers have instructed officers on obligation to keep up strict vigilance and be certain that no safety breaches happen. “With key authorities workplaces, excessive courts, and embassies located within the Excessive-Safety Zone, it’s essential that we keep tight safety and safeguard these vital establishments,” a police spokesperson mentioned.
“We’re dedicated to defending the lives and property of residents, and any disruption to peace will probably be met with swift motion,” he added.
Protest to be held ‘at any price’
Talking to journalists in Adiala jail on Friday, Khan mentioned that the get together will maintain a protest in Rawalpindi regardless of not being an NOC.
“Even when we’re given a NOC, they ship us exterior the town and hold the roads blocked until 6 o’clock,” he remarked whereas seemingly referring to the strict situations below which the get together has held public rallies just lately.
“The nation should now take to the streets for the sake of Pakistan. I urge folks, particularly the youth, to return out for his or her nation and future,” the ex-PM added.
He additionally introduced that the PTI will maintain demonstrations in Islamabad and Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan monument as properly.
In the meantime, as reported by the publication, a gathering of the get together’s parliamentary and organisational officers was held on the KP’s CM Home in Peshawar whereby get together officers and elected lawmakers have been instructed to succeed in Rawalpindi with the employees.
Sources say that the PTI employees have been instructed to depart from Peshawar with KP CM Gandapur set to reach in Swabi at 11am.
The sources added that the CM will head to Rawalpindi in a convoy from Swabi, and employees have been instructed to be totally ready for the journey.
All officers from Northern Punjab had been assigned particular duties in preparation for the occasion. Members of the nationwide and provincial assemblies from 10 districts of northern Punjab have been instructed to convey alongside 100 employees every.
However, the police have begun monitoring all accommodations and inns all through the town to make sure safety throughout the protest.