Islamabad, Rawalpindi tighten security ahead of planned protests

Islamabad and Rawalpindi have stepped up security preparations ahead of planned political protests, with authorities deploying thousands of containers and mobilising additional police personnel across key routes and entry points.

More than 2,000 containers have been positioned at strategic locations in Islamabad and around Attock Bridge, an important link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Authorities are preparing for the possibility of large crowds entering the capital in the coming days.

Islamabad Police have sought Rs827 million to cover expenses linked to the security arrangements. The requested 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.

Security officials estimate that between 20,000 and 25,000 protesters could gather in Islamabad. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced a long march beginning from different parts of the country on September 27, with participants potentially reaching the capital within three to four days.

Authorities have instructed police and other departments to complete preparations by the evening of September 26. Officials expect the security situation and related restrictions could continue for around a week.

A significant number of containers have been placed around Islamabad’s Red Zone and at major entry points. Some containers are being welded together and filled with sand and gravel to make them difficult to move.

Around 1,550 containers are expected to be supplied by contractors, with approximately 350 designated for securing the Red Zone. Other containers are being positioned along major roads, highways and entry routes, including Margalla Road, Faisal Avenue, Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, Third Avenue, Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway.

The Red Zone has seven designated entry points, including Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, Old Parade Ground/Jinnah Avenue and Aga Khan Road. Authorities are expected to restrict access through these points as part of the security plan.

Police personnel are also being brought in from other provinces. Islamabad Police have requested 16,000 personnel and 4,000 anti-riot kits from Punjab, along with 2,000 officials and 3,000 anti-riot kits from Sindh. Several senior police officers from both provinces have also been called to assist with security operations.

Transport and accommodation arrangements are being made for the additional forces. Contractors have been asked to provide buses, coasters and double-cabin vehicles, while portable toilets are also being arranged near police deployment points.

Educational institutions closed

More than four dozen buildings have been identified to accommodate police personnel arriving from other provinces. These include government schools, marquees and public buildings such as the Sports Complex and Pak-China Friendship Centre.

Several educational institutions being used for accommodation have been closed temporarily. Students and parents have reportedly been informed about the closures.

The extensive security measures are expected to affect traffic in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Restrictions on major routes could cause congestion and longer travel times, particularly on the Expressway, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road and roads surrounding the Red Zone.

Security tightened in Rawalpindi

Authorities have also increased security in Rawalpindi’s Red Zone. Nine police pickets have been established, with personnel deployed around the clock in two shifts.

The security plan covers important government buildings and installations between The Mall and the old airport area. Police pickets have been established at several key locations, including MH Chowk, Saddar Chowk, T&T Chowk, RA Bazaar Road and Chungi No. 22.

The Dolphin Force will conduct round-the-clock patrols in designated areas. Police officials have also been directed to inspect hotels and inns as part of efforts to monitor movement in the city.

Attock becomes key security point

Security has also been intensified in Attock, which serves as a major route between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Containers and sand-filled bags have been placed at strategic crossings, including Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge. Authorities have also increased security along the GT Road and motorway routes near the crossings.

Additional police personnel have been deployed at other important entry and exit points, including Chach and Ghazi interchanges.

Punjab Police sources said around 30,000 personnel, including senior officers, were being deployed in Attock under the wider security plan.

Some educational institutions in Hazro have reportedly been closed temporarily, while selected schools are being used to accommodate police personnel.