RAWALPINDI: Police in Rawalpindi Division have intensified action against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers. The move comes ahead of the party’s planned September 27 march to Islamabad. Police sources said authorities have detained nearly 150 PTI leaders and workers under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
Authorities have shifted the detainees to different jails across the division. Meanwhile, police teams continue door-to-door searches in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree.
Police Identify 463 PTI Workers
Police sources said authorities have identified 463 PTI leaders and active workers across Rawalpindi Division.
Officials divided the names into three tiers based on their alleged ability to mobilise party workers.
The list includes 59 Tier-I, 178 Tier-II and 226 Tier-III leaders and workers.
Police have also identified 91 members of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and Insaf Lawyers Forum.
These include 11 Tier-I, 14 Tier-II and 66 Tier-III workers.
According to police sources, teams have conducted 2,019 door-knocking operations during the past 20 days.
Officers visited the homes and offices of PTI leaders and workers during the operation.
The searches remain ongoing across the division.
Nearly 150 Workers Detained Under MPO
Police began detaining PTI workers under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance earlier this month.
According to police sources, authorities detained around 150 people since September 4.
Officials cited concerns about possible disturbances to public order as the reason for the detentions.
Police have also received lists of prominent PTI workers and supporters.
Teams are now monitoring the listed individuals and carrying out arrests where required.
However, police sources said several PTI leaders and workers have gone underground.
Security Tightened Across Five Districts
Authorities have also stepped up security preparations across Rawalpindi Division.
The division includes Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Murree and Jhelum.
Police are deploying additional personnel at important entry points and roads.
More than 10,600 police personnel will perform security duties in Rawalpindi district during the march.
Additional police contingents from other districts have also started arriving in Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, officers are reviewing security arrangements at major entry points.
Police officials have also inspected Taxila, where authorities plan to deploy two Pakistan Rangers companies.
The government says the measures aim to maintain law and order and protect citizens.
Hazara Routes Face Restrictions
Meanwhile, authorities have also restricted several routes connecting Hazara with Punjab.
Officials placed containers at Jhari Kas on the Hassan Abdal Road linking Haripur with Punjab.
Authorities also blocked the Haripur-Khanpur-Taxila Road at Gangu Bahadur.
In addition, officials brought containers to the bridge over the Haro River near Ahata Taxila.
The move could block the Haripur-Hattar-Taxila route.
However, traffic on the route remained open at the time of reporting.
Authorities expected further restrictions as the September 27 march approached.
Rangers Deployment Requested
The Punjab government has also sought Rangers assistance in several districts.
Officials requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 22 to October 5.
The request aims to support provincial police during the expected political activity.
According to the security plan, Rawalpindi will receive three Rangers companies.
One company will serve Rawalpindi city, while two will operate in Taxila.
Punjab has also prepared a wider security deployment for the division.
More than 43,200 police personnel are expected across Rawalpindi Division, according to the security plan.
Section 144 Remains in Force
The security measures extend to Islamabad as well.
Islamabad’s district administration imposed Section 144 for two months on September 18.
The order prohibits gatherings, rallies, processions and demonstrations in public places.
Punjab also imposed Section 144 across the province from September 23 to October 5.
The provincial government also requested restrictions on mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock.
Meanwhile, authorities have placed containers at several roads and entry points around Islamabad.
PTI Plans September 27 March
PTI has announced its September 27 march to Islamabad. Party Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has described the planned demonstration as peaceful. He previously ruled out attempts to storm Adiala Jail or use violence. The party says the protest will press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
At the same time, authorities continue preparing for possible disruptions around the capital.
Police have increased deployments, while district administrations have prepared road restrictions.
For now, Rawalpindi Division remains at the centre of the security preparations.
As September 27 approaches, authorities continue monitoring PTI workers and strengthening security arrangements across the region.
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