Punjab imposes Section 144, seeks Rangers deployment and possible telecom restrictions in key districts ahead of PTI’s planned Islamabad march.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has tightened security arrangements ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned march toward Islamabad on Sept. 27, imposing restrictions on public gatherings and seeking additional security measures in several districts.
The provincial government has imposed Section 144 across Punjab from Sept. 23 to Oct. 5, prohibiting gatherings, processions and assemblies of five or more people in public places, roads, highways and open spaces.
The order also restricts the display or carrying of weapons and calls to participate in unlawful gatherings. However, weddings, funeral prayers, burials and gatherings at mosques and other places of worship have been exempted.
Officials said the restrictions were introduced following security alerts about possible terrorist attacks targeting large public gatherings. Authorities said rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins and processions could become potential targets.
The Punjab Home Department has also approached the federal Interior Ministry seeking the downgrading or suspension of mobile and internet services in selected areas of Rawalpindi and Attock on Sept. 27.
The requested areas include parts of Rawalpindi as well as Brahma Bahter, Taxila, Wah Sadar, Thallian and Chakri.
The provincial government has further requested the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist police with maintaining law and order.
The request includes three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.
Security preparations have also included the placement of containers at various points and preparations to restrict movement along routes leading toward the federal capital.
Police and other law enforcement personnel are being deployed at entry points, blocking points and key roads across the Rawalpindi Division as authorities prepare for the planned mobilisation.
The PTI has announced its Sept. 27 march toward Islamabad to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan.
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