Authorities are expanding security arrangements in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as PTI, Jamaat-i-Islami and Kissan Ittehad prepare separate demonstrations and marches.
ISLAMABAD: More than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad as authorities strengthen security arrangements ahead of possible protests, long marches and sit-ins planned by opposition and farmers’ groups in the coming days.
Security preparations are being expanded across Islamabad and Rawalpindi following calls for demonstrations by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Kissan Ittehad.
Officials said the Islamabad deployment would be supervised by eight deputy inspectors general, 10 senior superintendents of police, 40 superintendents of police and 58 deputy superintendents of police.
Another 30,000 security personnel have reportedly been called to Attock because of the district’s strategic location between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Police officers and personnel from several districts have started arriving in Attock to support the local police.
The security buildup comes after JI announced a long march towards Islamabad against the petroleum levy. PTI has also planned a march for Sept. 27, seeking the release of party founder Imran Khan. Separately, Kissan Ittehad has announced a protest march seeking relief for farmers.
Authorities have started collecting shipping containers that could be used to restrict movement at key entry points to the twin cities. Officials said around 30 entry points could be blocked, including 11 routes in Rawalpindi, if protesters move towards Islamabad.
A significant number of containers have already been positioned along highways and in open areas as part of the security arrangements. Officials said the measures are intended to prevent large gatherings from entering sensitive areas of the federal capital.
In Rawalpindi, police have requested around 9,000 additional personnel to assist with maintaining law and order during the expected protests. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on police leave in the district until Oct. 1, except in cases involving extreme emergencies.
The security plan includes accommodation arrangements for personnel being brought in from outside Islamabad. Authorities have arranged 132 rooms across 13 hotels and guest houses for 362 police officers and officials assigned to law and order duties.
The eight DIGs will be accommodated at a hotel in the Melody area, while the 10 SSPs will stay at a hotel in Blue Area. Accommodation for SPs, DSPs and inspectors has been arranged at various hotels and guest houses.
Authorities are also making arrangements for police and Frontier Constabulary personnel arriving from other provinces. Government buildings, educational institutions, the Sports Complex, marriage halls and police stations are among the locations being considered for their accommodation.
About The Author
