RAWALPINDI: The administration has prepared a strategy to maintain law and order ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s expected nationwide protest on November 24.
Motorways will be closed from 8 p.m., while metro bus services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been suspended indefinitely. A ban has also been imposed on gatherings and processions across the city under Section 144. Rangers have been deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum.
Orders have been issued to close all bus terminals in Islamabad from Friday evening, and the police have also closed private hostels.
In addition, keeping in mind the potential tension, it has been decided to close the following motorways from 8 p.m (Friday):
- Peshawar to Islamabad (M1)
- Lahore to Islamabad (M2)
- Lahore to Abdul Hakeem (M3)
- Pindi Bhattian to Multan (M4)
- Sialkot to Lahore (M11)
- DI Khan to Hakla (M14).
According to the Motorway Police, the closures are due to repair work. In preparation for the protest, over 4,800 police officers and soldiers have been deployed on duty in Rawalpindi.
Read More: Rawalpindi metro bus service to be suspended due to track repairs from Nov 28–Dec 1
Furthermore, more than 70 containers and barriers will be installed at entry and exit routes of Rawalpindi and at various locations in the city, including areas connecting Murree Road and Islamabad. The number of police pickets will exceed 65, and security will also be heightened at metro stations.
Police forces and expert teams equipped with tear gas guns will be deployed from the Rawalpindi Saddar Metro Bus Station to Faizabad IGP Station.
Police teams will be provided with tear gas shells and rubber bullets at various points, and additional equipment will be delivered immediately if needed.
