22,000 personnel called as Islamabad braces for protest marches
Security preparations have intensified across Islamabad and Rawalpindi as several political groups have announced marches and protest activities in the coming days.
More than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad under the supervision of senior police officers. Another 30,000 personnel have reportedly been called to Attock to strengthen security along an important route between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The security buildup comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Kissan Ittehad have announced separate protest activities involving Islamabad.
Containers prepared at key entry points
Authorities have also started collecting and positioning large numbers of containers around Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
According to the reported security plan, 30 entry points to the twin cities are expected to be blocked if required, including 11 points in Rawalpindi. The containers are being placed along highways and in open spaces for possible use during the protests.
The measures are part of preparations to manage traffic and security if large groups of protesters move towards the federal capital.
Rawalpindi police have also requested 9,000 additional personnel to support local officers during the expected protest period.
The deployment includes personnel from different districts and specialised police units. Officials are preparing for possible pressure on major roads and entry routes connecting the twin cities.
Three groups announce protest activities
PTI has announced a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, with the party saying the protest is linked to its demand for the release of its founder Imran Khan.
Jamaat-i-Islami has separately announced a march towards Islamabad over the levy on petroleum products. Kissan Ittehad is also planning a protest march to demand relief for farmers.
These separate announcements have led authorities to prepare security arrangements across several districts surrounding the capital.
The planned deployments are not limited to Islamabad. Attock is also receiving additional personnel because it lies on an important route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
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30,000 personnel called for Attock
According to the reported plan, around 30,000 security personnel have been called to Attock.
Additional forces are being brought from several Punjab districts, including Sheikhupura, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Faisalabad. The Punjab Constabulary, Riot Management Police and other units are also being included in the arrangements.
The movement of additional personnel has already started, with officers and other staff reporting to the District Police Officer in Attock.
The large deployment reflects the importance of the district for managing movement between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the planned protest period.
Meanwhile, police leave in Rawalpindi district has been restricted until October 1.
Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera issued an order stopping casual and earned leave except in cases of extreme emergency, according to the reported security arrangements.
Hotels and public buildings prepared for police
The Islamabad administration and police have also arranged accommodation for officers arriving from outside the capital.
Under the plan, 362 police officers and officials will be accommodated in 132 rooms across 13 hotels and guest houses.
The eight DIGs, 10 SSPs, 40 SPs, 58 DSPs and 246 inspectors will be accommodated at different locations according to their assigned arrangements.
Other police and Frontier Constabulary personnel arriving from outside Islamabad are expected to stay in government buildings, educational institutions, the Sports Complex, marriage halls and police stations.
These arrangements are intended to ensure that additional personnel have places to stay while carrying out law and order duties.
