GUJRAT: Authorities have stepped up preparations to restrict access to the Chenab and Jhelum bridges in Gujrat ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad.
Scores of heavy vehicles have been positioned near the two bridges, while National Highways and Motorway Police officials are stopping heavy transport vehicles at several points along the GT Road leading towards Islamabad. Sand is also being filled into sacks near the bridges for use in blocking road access.
Local administration and police officials said trenches may not be dug near the bridges this time, unlike previous measures taken during long marches by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan. Authorities have already intensified security measures and conducted raids at the residences of several PTI leaders in the region.
Officials said the complete closure of the bridges would depend on the movement of PTI convoys and could be enforced if necessary. For now, private cars, rickshaws and mini-trucks are reportedly being allowed to cross the Chenab and Jhelum bridges, while heavy vehicles face restrictions.
PTI sources, meanwhile, claimed that police had detained only a limited number of party workers during raids, with many supporters going into hiding to avoid arrest.
Despite a recent visit by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Gujrat, Sialkot, Wazirabad and Jhelum to mobilise supporters for the planned march, no significant mobilisation has been reported in these areas. PTI representatives have attributed the limited visible activity to intensified security measures.
A senior law-enforcement official said the situation was being closely monitored and that any decision to block the bridges would depend on the size and movement of PTI convoys. The official said police contingents had not yet been deployed at the bridges or other key locations.
The preparations come as authorities across Punjab and Islamabad intensify security measures ahead of the PTI’s planned September 27 march.
