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.
New security men deployed in Red Zone
Fresh contingents of Frontier Constabulary (FC) Pakistan Rangers and police on Monday were deployed on all entry and exit points of Red Zone in Islamabad.
The fresh contingents of LEAs were present in the federal capital to extend support to Islamabad police. Despite hurdles, traffic is running smoothly on all important roads of Islamabad, while one lane of every sealed road is opened for traffic.
Traffic on all roads leading to Islamabad International Airport running without any hurdle. Personnel of Pakistan Rangers, and FC were deputed on Chungi No. 26, Tarnol, Sangjani and D-Chowk Islamabad.
Police personnel were also performing their duties on 135 blogging points from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, while Anti-Riots Force personnel are equipped with all necessary instruments to control law and order situation.
Large quantity of shells and guns already provided to personnel of Islamabad police. Mobile data service was already suspended in twin cities. All educations institutions of Rawalpindi and Islamabad closed due to prevailing law and order situation.
Faizabad Interchange is completely sealed and IGP Road of Islamabad is partially closed while passengers were advised to adopt alternate routes. Traffic on Murree Road from Faizabad to Saddar Rawalpindi also closed on different locations.
Around 80 roads connecting Rawalpindi to Islamabad being monitored through CCTV cameras. Police officials said that all the measures adopted for safety and security of general public. They further said that anyone who will violate Section 144 will be dealt as per law.
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