PTI’s protest call on November 24, the administration has decided to make Islamabad completely inaccessible.
Punjab Home Department has called in the Rangers for three districts: Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum
Section 144 Imposed in Punjab. 19,000 Punjab Police Arrive in Islamabad
Islamabad Orders Closure of All Transport Terminals Ahead of PTI Protest
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
In anticipation of the PTI protest, the Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all transport terminals in the city. The authority has stated that, given the potential situation, the terminals will be shut down at 8 PM tonight, and barriers will be placed to ensure their complete closure. A total of 19,000 officers and personnel of the Punjab Police have arrived in Islamabad. These reinforcements are part of the preparations to manage the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) protest. Among those arriving are 4,000 trained commandos from the Elite Force and 2,000 female commandos. Additionally, 105 prisoner transport vans have been sent to Islamabad. The Islamabad police had requested additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir. The federal police also called for reinforcements from the FC (Frontier Corps) and Rangers. To secure the city, dozens of containers have been placed at entry and exit points, and the leaves of federal police officers have been canceled.
Section 144 Imposed in Punjab
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province. According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, all forms of protests, rallies, processions, and gatherings are banned. The ban will be in effect from Saturday, November 23 to Monday, November 25. The decision to enforce Section 144 was taken to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of human lives and property. Given security concerns, public gatherings could become soft targets for terrorists, and miscreants could exploit such events to carry out anti-state activities. The notification for the enforcement of Section 144 has been issued by the Punjab Home Department.
Rangers Deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum
Following the instructions of the Punjab government, the Punjab Home Department has called in the Rangers for three districts: Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum. A letter was sent to the federal Ministry of Interior, requesting the deployment of two wings of Rangers each in Rawalpindi and Attock, and one company in Jhelum. Rangers will be deployed in Rawalpindi and Attock indefinitely, while their deployment in Jhelum will be from November 22 to November 27. The decision to send Rangers was made based on recommendations from the district administrations of these areas.
Order to Evacuate Hostels Due to November 24 Protest Call,
Following the PTI’s protest call for November 24, the administration has decided to make Islamabad completely inaccessible. Public transport, transport hubs, and motorways have been shut down, and orders have been issued to evacuate hostels as well. Students, particularly those from distant areas, are facing severe difficulties due to the evacuation order. They have been instructed to leave their hostels and return to their hometowns by November 27. The authorities have also directed hostels and guest houses in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to be vacated. The students residing in these hostels are finding it difficult as they have no relatives in the cities, and some cannot return to their native areas immediately. The administration’s orders require the students to leave the hostels by November 27 and return afterward.
Islamabad Orders Closure of All Transport Terminals Ahead of PTI Protest
In anticipation of the PTI protest, the Islamabad Transport Authority has ordered the closure of all transport terminals in the city. The authority has stated that, given the potential situation, the terminals will be shut down at 8 PM tonight, and barriers will be placed to ensure their complete closure.
Meanwhile, the GT Road at the Wazirabad Chenab Toll Plaza has been closed, with containers placed to block both sides. Public transport to Islamabad has been partially halted. Due to the protest, the Red Zone in Islamabad will be completely sealed off. Section 144 has been imposed in the twin cities, and 2,200 additional containers have been sent to Islamabad. Extra personnel have also been requested for security.
To manage the protest, it has been decided to block Islamabad from 24 different locations. All entry and exit points will be heavily monitored, and a large number of police officers will be deployed.