In light of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for October 4 in Islamabad, Section 144, which restricts public gatherings, has been enforced in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock. This measure, confirmed via an official notification, will remain in effect from October 4 to 6. Additionally, private schools in Islamabad will remain closed on October 4.
Authorities are expected to block access to Rawalpindi, including suspending the Metro Bus service and completely closing Motorways M1 and M2. Key routes from Taxila, Chakrial, Rawat, and the Islamabad Airport will also be sealed off.
Law enforcement agencies have recommended that the Home Department consider temporarily shutting down mobile networks. More than 4,000 police officers, along with anti-riot squads, will be stationed in Rawalpindi, equipped with tear gas and rubber bullets to maintain order. Reports suggest that any protestors will be immediately detained, and Rawalpindi residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Citing potential road closures due to the PTI protest, the Private Schools Association announced that schools will remain closed on Friday. Wahid Khan, the association’s General Secretary, emphasized that the safety of students is their primary concern. He noted that despite attempts to coordinate with the Deputy Commissioner earlier, they received no response later in the day. Khan expressed a desire to prevent further inconvenience to students, who had already faced disruptions today due to blocked roads.
