Authorities have closed off major access routes to Islamabad in anticipation of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned for Sunday. Numerous entry points to the capital have been blocked with containers.
Checkpoint 26 has been completely sealed off with containers and Rangers deployed. The Srinagar Highway is also closed at Zero Point.
The Expressway is blocked in both directions at Khanna Pul, where a container reportedly caught fire; the cause remains unknown. Containers have also been placed on routes leading to the airport, and the Faisalabad-Islamabad route is closed.
The Faisalabad Interchange, a key link between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, is closed to all traffic. The Islamabad Expressway and IGP Road are closed at various points, as is Murree Road at several locations between Faisalabad and the city center.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are on high security alert, with 6,000 police officers and officials deployed, and a further 2,000 on standby. 135 blockage points and checkpoints have been established for entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi. Anti-riot and elite forces have been equipped to handle potential unrest.
Police officers have been banned from using mobile phones, internet access has been significantly slowed, and the Metro Bus service has been suspended until further notice.
Seventy locations connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad will be monitored via CCTV cameras. Police have been provided with tear gas shells and guns.
Police officials have stated that no protests, demonstrations, or rallies will be permitted, and those disrupting public order will face strict action. Violation of Section 144 will result in legal action.
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus service and the Green Line service between PIMS and Bara Kahu are also suspended. Furthermore, internet and mobile phone services are affected in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The Ministry of Interior has stated that mobile data and Wi-Fi services will be suspended in areas deemed to pose security risks.
