Pakistan prepares road closures ahead of PTI protest on September 27
The administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in Pakistan have begun preparations for the nationwide protest by the PTI party scheduled for September 27. According to Dawn, law enforcement agencies are preparing container barriers, assessing the need for additional forces, and checking stocks of riot-control equipment.
Containers and additional forces
Islamabad police have asked contractors for more than 1,000 containers of various sizes. They are planned to be used to block off the Red Zone, the high-security area, entrances to and exits from the capital, as well as main avenues and highways. The aim of these measures is to restrict the movement of protesters and the entry into Islamabad of people from other parts of the country.
More than 100 containers have already been placed along roads at several locations, including near the traffic police headquarters, in Faizabad, Tarnol and Sangjani. Due to increased demand for containers, police structures in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh are also submitting similar requests, which has led to a shortage among contractors.
Police are preparing a security plan and assessing the need for additional forces. More than 15,000 law enforcement officers from the Punjab and Sindh police, as well as the Federal Constabulary and Rangers, are likely to be requested to maintain order in the capital. The riot-control unit has been instructed to check stocks of equipment, including long- and short-range tear gas rounds and means of launching them.
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Preventive detentions
The Rawalpindi administration has issued orders for the preventive detention of more than 30 PTI activists and members under Article 3 of the law on maintaining public order. This provision allows administrative officials to use preventive detention to prevent potential threats, protests, or disturbances.
According to a police representative, the orders were issued for 30 days, and in some cases this period may be extended to 90 days. Intelligence units of Islamabad police and the Special Branch were instructed to gather information on the party's preparations for the protest and the activities of its local leaders, activists, and members.
A citizen challenged the PTI's sit-in protest and nationwide action planned for September 27 in the Islamabad High Court, stating that they could disrupt daily life, traffic, and business operations in the capital. A senior police official told the publication that the security plan would be developed after the court's decision.
