Sec 144 imposed in twin cities to prevent PTI protests today

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI  –  The district administrations of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have imposed Section 144 in their respective areas as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in collaboration with the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), is set to launch its highly antici-pated protest today against the detention of PTI leader Imran Khan.

An order issued yesterday by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema said it was brought to his attention by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) that there was an “imminent threat” within the limits of Rawalpindi district — particularly surrounding sensitive installations, promi-nent roads and other critical infrastructures — that may pose a serious risk to human life, public prop-erty, and the overall peace and order of the district.

The restrictions will remain in place until August 10, it added.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Adiala Jail Abdul Ghafoor Anjum penned a letter to the City Po-lice Officer (CPO), seeking additional security to prevent a possible protest by PTI supporters outside the prison.

In his letter, the jail superintendent noted that there are currently 7,700 inmates in the prison, while its capacity is only 2,174.

“PTI has planned a protest outside the jail on August 5,” the officer said, stressing the need for urgent measures to ensure foolproof security at the facility, where the PTI founder is serving jail terms in mul-tiple cases ranging from treason to terrorism.

Additional security should be deployed from Dahgal Checkpost to Gate No. 5 of Adiala Jail, the letter read.

Meanwhile, the capital police have begun preparations. Officers had told the media that in the first phase, the Anti-Riot Unit of the police started exercises, physical training and refresher anti-riot cours-es at the Police Lines Headquarters.

Over a thousand personnel of the unit are undergoing refresher courses. The courses include physical training and exercises to make them fit and respond to the protesters with full energy.

Besides, they are also doing refresher courses on the usage and handling of anti-riot kits. They are get-ting training regarding the usage of shields to protect themselves and the force from stones and other objects that may be pelted at them.

Furthermore, they are also being trained on how to intercept mobs at certain points, cordon them off and disperse them. They are also learning how to deal with troublemakers and protesters taking law and order into their hands.

On the other hand, police have also started collecting details of local PTI leaders and activists besides keeping an eye on their activities. The intelligence units of the police have mounted surveillance over the leaders and hardcore members of the PTI.

Surveillance at all hotels, motels, inns and guest houses along with the capital’s suburbs and outskirts has also been increased to monitor the PTI workers’ activities and get information about their stay and gatherings. The police intelligence units were also asked to prepare fresh lists of local PTI leaders.

Meanwhile, the party has not been given permission to hold public rally in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, subsequently it has changed its plan to move to smaller cities to hold its protests today (August 5).

According to sources, the Islamabad district administration has rejected PTI’s request to hold a protest rally at F-9 Park on Tuesday. The decision comes amid heightened concerns about public disorder and security.

To prevent potential unrest, 2,500 police personnel will be deployed across key highways in the capital. The Red Zone and its extension will be completely sealed off in case of any protest attempt.

A senior official confirmed that Section 144 remains in force in Islamabad, strictly prohibiting any public protest, demonstration, or rally at any location.

August 5 marks two years since Imran Khan’s arrest in Lahore on charges related to corruption. To commemorate this, the opposition has announced nationwide protests under the flags of Pakistan, PTI, and a white flag symbolizing peace.

TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser, while addressing a press conference here the other day, had also called for the presentation of any evidence against Imran Khan in an open court, arguing that the judi-ciary’s independence is being compromised by the executive. He asserted that Imran Khan’s rights are being violated, which directly undermines democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law.

Qaiser also demanded a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. He expressed concern over the weakening of parliament and noted the disturbing trend of government officials altering speeches in the assembly.

The PTI has prepared a detailed plan for the August 5 protests, with gatherings set to take place in dis-tricts across the country. In Peshawar, a rally will start from Hayatabad Toll Plaza, while similar protests are planned for Swabi and Nowshera. The protests are set to begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening, with local PTI leaders capturing video footage of the events to report back to the regional leadership.