Key Takeaways
- The administrations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have started preparations to counter the PTI’s announced countrywide protest.
- Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry warns of 'other options' if the PTI proceeds with its march.
- The PTI has announced a march on Islamabad on September 27 to press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
The administrations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have initiated preparations to counter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s announced countrywide protest, including a request for detention of activists, arranging containers, seeking additional personnel, and procuring anti-riot gear.
Sources in the police stated that contractors who provide and arrange containers for the police had been alerted, and a demand for over 1,000 containers had been made. The containers would be used to seal the Red Zone, High Security Zone, and the capital’s entry and exit points, as well as main avenues and highways to intercept the movement of protesters.
The Islamabad police are collecting information related to the protest, including preparations by the political party and activities of its leaders, workers, and activists. Over 100 containers have been arranged for the capital and placed along key areas.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry warned the PTI of 'other options' if the party proceeds with its march on September 27. Chaudhry said the federal government was trying to halt the PTI’s march through legal means and resolve the matter peacefully.
Speaking on a private television programme, Chaudhry said the government's first option was to maintain law and order in Islamabad without any confrontation and avoid a situation involving any kind of clash. He referred to previous incidents where the PTI’s marches had resulted in the loss of precious human lives.
Chaudhry claimed that the government had intelligence reports indicating that the PTI’s long march would not be a peaceful gathering but a violent one and that the party wanted to create a situation in Islamabad. He warned that the government would take strict action if the PTI did not abandon its plan.
The PTI has announced a march on Islamabad on September 27 to press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan. The party has been preparing a central convoy from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with caravans from other parts of the country expected to join before proceeding towards the federal capital.
The preparations by the administrations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad reflect the potential for significant unrest and the government’s determination to maintain law and order. The PTI’s march is seen as a significant test for the government’s handling of protests and its commitment to peaceful resolution of political issues.
The Islamabad police are also collecting information related to the protest, including preparations by the political party and activities of its leaders, workers and activists.
Sources in the police, Police sources
Our first option is to maintain law and order in Islamabad without any confrontation and avoid a situation involving any kind of clash.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
