RAWALPINDI: To counteract planned protests by the PTI at Liaquat Bagh, the Punjab government has taken the step of sealing off roads leading to Rawalpindi on Saturday. .
Despite the PTI’s plans, the administration has denied permission for the event. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the party would proceed with the protest regardless of this denial.
In response, the Punjab government has implemented Section 144 across the Rawalpindi Division for two days, prohibiting all political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, and protests. This ban will be in effect on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, impacting the districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal.
A significant police presence has been deployed at the venue, restricting access to those seeking to enter for recreational purposes. Reports indicate that mobile services will also be suspended throughout Rawalpindi today.
Additionally, a public holiday is anticipated, with major motorways, including M1 and M2, being closed, and roads from Chakri, Bahatar, Taxila, and AWT being blocked.
According to media reports, metro bus services in the twin cities will be halted, and Murree Road may be obstructed with containers.
حکومت بھی تمہاری، اسٹیبلشمنٹ بھی تمہاری، عدلیہ بھی تمہاری، الیکشن کمیشن بھی تمہارا، میڈیا بھی تمہارا….. ساری زمینی طاقتیں تمہاری ہیں پھر کیوں شلواریں بھی گیلیں تمہاری ہیں۔#چلو_چلو_راولپنڈی_چلوpic.twitter.com/7skf0sb8bZ
— Qasim Khan Suri (@QasimKhanSuri) September 28, 2024
Amid these developments, the PTI has outlined a strategy for the protest, with plans for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to lead the demonstration. PTI leaders are expected to arrive in convoys, with instructions for party workers to gather at Liaquat Bagh by 2 PM.
PTI Protests at Liaquat Bagh and Rangers Deployment
To enhance security, six companies of Rangers will be deployed in Rawalpindi and Attock due to concerns about potential unrest from armed groups. The Punjab Home Department has issued the notification for Section 144 enforcement and has communicated with the federal government regarding the Rangers’ deployment.
Read More: PTI Challenges Practice and Procedure Ordinance in SC
In a related directive, Rawalpindi’s City Police Officer, Syed Khalid Hamdani, has ordered the cancellation of all officer leaves, warning that violations of this order will result in dismissal.