Islamabad on High Alert as PTI Rally Set to Begin in Sangjani

The Islamabad administration heightened security on Sunday, putting the capital on red alert ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally scheduled for today in Sangjani. Multiple key roads leading to the federal capital have been blocked as law enforcement braces for any potential unrest during the political gathering.

Authorities directed police officers to remain within their jurisdiction and equipped the deployed personnel with full gear. Police officers have been instructed not to use mobile phones during duty hours to maintain focus and ensure strict security measures.

In a concerning development, police recovered a suspicious bag near the PTI rally venue in Sangjani. Inside the bag, police found a hand grenade, detonator, electric wires, and other explosive materials. The bomb disposal squad is currently on-site, investigating the contents and potential threat.

Heavy Security Deployment Across the Capital

To ensure public safety, a significant number of law enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, have been deployed at the rally site and throughout Islamabad. According to officials, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are on high alert to counter any violence that may arise during the rally.

The rally had initially been scheduled for August 22 but was postponed after the Islamabad city administration revoked PTI’s no-objection certificate (NOC) and sealed roads into the city. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan announced that the event was rescheduled for today, following a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. Gohar confirmed the new date and said all preparations were finalized for the event.

Containers Block Key Roads

In an effort to control the situation and maintain law and order, the authorities have placed containers at several strategic locations in the federal capital. All routes leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone have been sealed, with only authorized individuals allowed access via Margalla Road. Containers have also blocked the road from Chongi No. 26 and the GT Road in Taxila.

Additionally, several main thoroughfares, including the Islamabad Expressway, have been closed at various points. The major intersections of Faizabad, Khanna Pul, and Rawat T Chowk are also blocked, causing significant disruptions for commuters between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Although alternative routes have been provided, the closures are causing considerable inconvenience for the residents of both cities. Police officers have been stationed along the alternate routes to manage traffic flow.

The district administration has also suspended the metro bus service from Rawalpindi’s Saddar Station to the Pak Secretariat as a precautionary measure during the PTI rally.

Efforts to Prevent Unrest

In an attempt to prevent potential unrest, the LEAs and the district administration have isolated the rally venue from the rest of the capital. The venue itself has been prepared, although rough terrain, sand mounds, and uneven ground have posed challenges for the organizers in setting up the event.

The rally is expected to start this afternoon, with final preparations nearing completion.

New Law Passed to Regulate Public Gatherings

In a significant development ahead of the rally, President Asif Ali Zardari signed into law the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024.” The new legislation, now officially enacted, grants the district magistrate authority to regulate and ban public gatherings in Islamabad. Violations could result in punishments of up to three years in prison or a fine, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

The law enables the district magistrate to impose temporary bans on public assemblies, which can be extended if necessary. Police officers, acting on the magistrate’s orders, can also disperse any gathering deemed likely to disturb public peace.

Following the passage of this law, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan urged the Islamabad administration not to obstruct the rally, noting that PTI had already obtained the necessary NOC from the authorities.