In anticipation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for September 29 at Liaquat Bagh, the Rawalpindi administration has implemented extensive security measures across the city. The authorities have erected containers to block key roads and intersections, effectively sealing off Rawalpindi and preventing any traffic from entering. This has posed significant challenges for residents, leading to frustration and confusion as they navigate the newly obstructed routes.
The presence of law enforcement has intensified, with thousands of police officers deployed throughout the city. Major intersections, including Faizabad to Murree Chowk and various entry points along Murree Road, have been completely shut down. Barbed wire has been used to seal off smaller streets leading to Murree Road, and important public areas like Liaquat Bagh have been locked down entirely. Furthermore, educational institutions in the vicinity, along with numerous hotels, have closed their doors, leaving many citizens in limbo.
To enforce order, Section 144 has been imposed across Rawalpindi, prohibiting any gatherings, protests, or displays of weapons. This decree has also led to the cancellation of all leave for police personnel, with officers recalled to duty under the threat of termination if they fail to comply. Law enforcement has conducted raids and door-to-door searches targeting PTI leaders and supporters to prevent their participation in the protests.
The suspension of the metro bus service in Islamabad and closures of petrol stations on Murree Road have compounded the difficulties faced by commuters and residents alike. All routes leading to Adiala Jail have also been sealed off, further complicating matters for those needing to visit inmates. As the situation unfolds, the city’s heavy police presence and the extensive barricades are transforming Rawalpindi into a city reminiscent of a lockdown, highlighting the tense political climate surrounding the PTI’s planned demonstrations.
