Rawalpindi police have arrested seven Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and conducted overnight raids on the homes of several party leaders in anticipation of a planned PTI protest in Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15.
The raids targeted the residences of prominent PTI figures including Raja Basharat, former MPA Wahid Qasim, Arif Abbasi, and Rashid Hafiz, but the leadership remained elusive.
Police spokesperson stated that Section 144 (prohibiting gatherings) is in effect in Rawalpindi, and any protests or rallies are unauthorized. Security is on high alert due to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
A raid on the home of former National Assembly candidate Shehryar Riaz was unsuccessful as he was not present.
Read more: Govt frets over security ahead of SCO summit
Meanwhile, senior officials conducted emergency inspections of entry points to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, focusing on the M1 motorway and GT Road. Koti Pahari in Hasan Abdal and the Haro Bridge on the motorway were identified as particularly sensitive areas.
Authorities are reportedly finalizing plans to manage potential law and order issues, with implementation expected at any time.
