Govt beefs up security in Islamabad to deal with any protest

The government has bolstered security arrangements and closed down schools in Islamabad in face of the PTI protest, with a warning that anybody disturbing the law and order will be nabbed, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The PTI rally led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has yet to reach the federal capital on Saturday morning, but the authorities were fully prepared to deal with any situation.

There were skirmishes in different areas between demonstrators and security personnel on their way to Islamabad, but several taken into custody.

The government shut down all educational institutions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Murree keeping in view the tense situation.

Though the mobile phone service has been restored in the twin cities, over 3,000 security personnel were on alert in the federal capital. 

Gandapur’s convoy reaches Hassanabdal 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur's convoy is moving and crossed all the obstacles at Ghazi Brotha Canal Bridge early Monday.

The convoy reached the next obstacle at Harupul Hassan Abdal and the clashes between the police and PTI workers continued.

PTI workers snatch prisoners van

PTI workers early Monday got hold of prisoners van belonging to Punjab police on Ghazi Motorway near Attock.

Sources said that as the PTI workers snatched the vehicle, the policemen who were on board fled away leaving the vehicle behind.

Interior Minister's warning

Police reinforcement have been called in from Sindh, Punjab and Azad Kashmir. A heavy contingent of KP FC was also deployed in Islamabad.

Interior Minster Mohsin Naqvi has categorically declared that anyone taking law into his hands will be arrested.

The minister advised CM Gandapur to lay focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Issuing threats will be of no use. The protesters are coming from KP but will not be allowed to create any disturbance in the federal capital,” he added.

Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi visited D-Chowk in Islamabad to boost morale of the personnel of Police, Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers stationed there for security duties. He appreciated the security personnel for their high dedication and spirits, and congratulated them for performing their duties diligently.

He commended the officials for protecting the lives and property of citizens day and night.

Mohsin Naqvi said FC and Rangers always remain vigilant for diligently carrying out their responsibilities as national duty to ensure the rule of law.

Federal Secretary Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad Police, and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad were also present on the occasion.

The interior minister also conducted an aerial visit of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock to review security arrangements.

During the aerial visit, the interior minister also reviewed the overall situation on the Swabi-Pathargarh motorway section and expressed satisfaction over the security measures.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said following the orders of the Islamabad High Court, the government has taken all possible measures to protect the lives and property of the people and to ensure public order.

He commended the officers and personnel of the FC and Rangers for performing their duties diligently.

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that no one will be allowed to disturb the law and order situation in the federal capital, and those violating the law will be dealt accordingly. He said the administration, police, and law enforcement agencies are prepared to handle any possible situation.

Reporters Babar Shahzad Turk, Amir Shahzad and Muhammad Imran