In view of today’s protest by the PTI against rigging in the general elections, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the city’s administration have dug up the ground in front of the National Press Club, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.
The party, which gave a call for a rally from the F-9 Park to the press club a few days ago, also plans to hold a sit-in in front of the club.
Meanwhile, authorities have erected barbed wire around the dug-up ground in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad.
A heavy contingent of police has been deployed at F9 Park with several prisoner buses on the stand by.
Islamabad Police say no ‘rioting’ to be allowed
On the other hand, Islamabad Police have made it clear that they will not allow ‘rioting’ in the federal capital.
In a statement, the police’s spokesman has said that all political parties have already been conveyed that section 144 has been enforced in the federal capital, and any violation of the section will be met with a strong force.
The police have also advised women and people under 18 years of age to avoid travelling to F-9 Park and F-6 sector between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. “And in case people notice any illegal activity taking place, they should inform on 15 or ICT 15 App.”
The district administration of Islamabad had yesterday refused to grant permission to the PTI to take out a rally in the city.
https://twitter.com/ICT_Police/status/1758506034887553313
Section 114 in force in Islamabad
The Islamabad police have said that section 144 is in force in the federal capital and the security is on “high alert”, as the PTI is set to begin its countrywide peaceful protests.
Without directly referring to any scheduled protests, the police said that there could be increased traffic near the F9 Park and urged the public to avoid “unnecessary travel” on the nearby routes.
The police said that special forces of the Counter Terrorism Department had been deployed on patrol to deal with any emergency. “Patrolling has been increased across the district while checking has been tightened at checkpoints,” it added.
Reporter: Farzana Siddique