Over 1,300 security personnel deployed in Rawalpindi ahead of potential PTI protests
RAWALPINDI: More than 1,300 police officers and security personnel have been deployed across Rawalpindi to maintain law and order ahead of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest and a Jamaat-e-Islami gathering at Liaquat Bagh, officials said.
Officials said the deployment includes two superintendents of police, seven deputy superintendents of police, 29 inspectors and station house officers, 92 upper subordinates and 340 constables.
In addition, seven sections of Elite Force commandos, 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel, and 400 members of the Anti-Riots Management Wing have been deployed.
Police have also established 32 pickets, each supervised by an upper subordinate, while Elite Force commandos are conducting patrols. Personnel have been equipped with anti-riot gear, including rubber bullets and tear gas launchers.
Pickets have been set up at key locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Fawara Chowk, Mandi Mor, Carriage Factory, Committee Chowk, Chandni Chowk, both sides of Faizabad, Sadiqabad, Metro Station Saddar, 22 Number Chungi, Chohar Chowk and MH Chowk.
Special pickets have also been established on routes and access points leading to Adiala Jail, as well as at Chak Beli Mor, Thallian Interchange, Chakri Interchange and Jorian.
Officials said personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant, with additional police kept on standby at the security division and at police stations to respond to any emergency.
City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani is overseeing command and control, with overall supervision by Senior Superintendent of Police Malik Tariq Mehmood.
The deployment comes amid heightened political tensions following the sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment in the Toshakhana-II case.
PTI leaders have voiced support for the party’s founder and criticised the verdict. Party secretary general Salman Akram Raja said on Saturday that Khan had urged supporters to prepare for a street movement.
Over 1,300 officers and security personnel have been deployed across Rawalpindi to maintain law and order ahead of a possible PTI protest and a Jamaat-e-Islami gathering at Liaquat Bagh.
The deployment includes two superintendents of police (SPs), seven deputy superintendents of police (DSPs), 29 inspectors and station house officers (SHOs), 92 upper subordinates, and 340 constables. Seven sections of Elite Force commandos, 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations (RESO) personnel, and 400 personnel from the Anti-Riots Management Wing have also been deployed. Staff Report
