Residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas are preparing for possible disruptions as authorities intensify security arrangements ahead of planned protests.
More than 2,000 containers have been deployed at various locations in Islamabad and near Attock Bridge, a major entry point connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern areas with Punjab.
Islamabad police have sought around Rs827 million to cover expenses related to the planned protests. The funds are expected to be used for container rentals, accommodation, food and transportation for police personnel, as well as anti-riot equipment, including tear-gas shells and rubber bullets.
Authorities are expecting between 20,000 and 25,000 protesters to gather in Islamabad. The planned march is expected to begin from different parts of the country on September 27 and could reach the capital within three to four days.
Security arrangements have been directed to be completed by the evening of September 26, with officials preparing for possible disruptions lasting around a week.
Authorities have also prepared measures to stop protesters from entering Islamabad, although the final decisions regarding the deployment and interception of protesters will be taken by the government.
Contractors have been tasked with providing around 1,550 containers, including 350 for securing the Red Zone. A large number of containers have already been placed around the high-security area and along roads and greenbelts.
Around 1,000 containers are expected to be used to restrict access to entry points, major roads and highways and areas leading towards the Red Zone. Several major routes, including the Expressway, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road and roads connecting to the high-security zone, are expected to face restrictions.
The Red Zone has seven designated entry points, including major access roads and routes around the area. Gates at these points are also expected to remain closed during the security operation.
Containers placed at major roads and entry points are being welded together and filled with gravel and sand to prevent them from being moved.
Police authorities have requested additional personnel and anti-riot equipment from Punjab and Sindh. Thousands of police officials and senior officers are expected to be deployed in Islamabad as part of the security plan.
Transport arrangements are also being made for the additional police force, including buses, coasters and other vehicles. Portable washrooms and toilets are also being arranged near duty points.
More than four dozen buildings have been acquired to accommodate police personnel arriving from other areas. The facilities include government schools, marquees and other public buildings.
Police personnel from different provinces are expected to begin arriving in Islamabad as part of the security deployment.
Some educational institutions being used to accommodate police personnel have been closed temporarily, with students and their parents informed about the arrangements.
The extensive deployment of containers and restrictions on major roads are expected to cause traffic congestion and inconvenience for commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Key routes, including the Expressway, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road and roads leading towards the Red Zone, may face restrictions, forcing motorists to use alternative routes and potentially increasing travel times.
Security has also been strengthened in Rawalpindi, particularly around the city’s Red Zone.
Nine police pickets have been established, with personnel assigned around the clock in two 12-hour shifts to protect important government buildings and installations.
The security zone extends from The Mall area towards the old airport. Additional police pickets have been established at several key intersections and sensitive locations.
The Dolphin Force will conduct round-the-clock patrols in designated areas, while police officials have been directed to monitor hotels and inns as part of the security arrangements.
Security has also been intensified in Attock, a key route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.
Containers and sand-filled bags have been placed at strategic crossings, including Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge. Security measures have been strengthened along the GT Road and motorway routes near these crossings.
Additional personnel have also been deployed at important entry and exit points, including Chach and Ghazi interchanges.
Around 30,000 police personnel, including senior officers, are expected to be deployed across Attock as part of the wider security plan.
Educational institutions in Hazro have reportedly been closed temporarily, while some schools have been designated as accommodation facilities for security personnel.
The crossings in Attock remain strategically important because they provide major road links between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region. Authorities have therefore placed particular emphasis on these routes as part of preparations for the planned protest.
