PTI Protest
As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its planned protest on November 24 in Islamabad, law enforcement agencies in Punjab and the federal capital have intensified their efforts to maintain law and order.
Authorities have vowed to take strict action against any attempts to disrupt peace, setting the stage for heightened security measures across the region.
In Punjab, over 10,700 police personnel have been placed on standby, as outlined in a letter issued by the Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Operations under the directives of the province’s police chief.
This large-scale standby force includes 3,500 personnel from the Punjab Highway Patrol, 1,000 from the Special Protection Unit, and 1,200 officers from the Training Directorate.
Additional contributions come from various regions, such as 1,300 personnel already deployed from Gujranwala and 500 officers on standby in Sargodha. Smaller contingents include 200 personnel from Sheikhupura, 300 from Bahawalpur, and another 300 from Muzaffargarh.
The Punjab police’s robust deployment plan follows PTI’s call for nationwide demonstrations. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged his supporters to march to Islamabad, with assurances that the party’s top leadership will actively participate.
According to Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, the protests are not limited to Islamabad but will also take place across Pakistan and globally wherever Imran’s supporters are present.
PTI has articulated four key demands: the revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of democracy and the Constitution, the return of the public’s mandate, and the release of political prisoners.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has also ramped up preparations to counter the PTI’s gathering, which authorities have deemed unauthorized. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear have been distributed to police officers.
All leaves for officers have been canceled, and 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir have been requisitioned to reinforce the federal capital. These reinforcements are expected to arrive by November 21.
In addition, Section 144, which bans gatherings of more than five people, has been imposed in Islamabad for two months. The city is under heavy surveillance, with Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel already deployed.
Officials are preparing to seal off key areas using shipping containers by Friday, November 22. The Capital Police have also compiled a list of individuals likely to disrupt peace and are preparing for potential arrests.
These measures underline the authorities’ commitment to preemptively addressing any security threats ahead of the PTI’s planned protest.
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