Army Deployed in Islamabad; Lahore Sealed Ahead of PTI Rally

News Desk/Agencies

Islamabad: In response to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) call for a protest in Lahore today (Saturday), the law enforcement authorities have implemented stringent security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Police have sealed all entry and exit points of the city, while Army troops have taken positions in Islamabad as part of unprecedented steps to secure the federal capital, according to private news channels.

Following orders from the Interior Ministry for the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution, troops have been stationed across Islamabad and surrounding areas.

They have taken control of security at D-Chowk and are patrolling the area to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.

A contingent of troops from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also been deployed behind protesters currently held up in Attock.

In Lahore, a confrontation between PTI and the Punjab government appears inevitable, as PTI plans to hold a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan.

The law enforcement authorities have placed containers at key locations like Babu Sabu Interchange and Thokar Niaz Beg to block entry into the city from Islamabad and northern regions.

Similar measures have been taken on Ring Road, Shahdara, and routes leading to Azadi Chowk and Greater Iqbal Park.

Police have set up temporary checkposts in these areas, while local PTI leaders, including Sheikh Imtiaz, Hafiz Farhat Abbas, Mian Aslam Iqbal, and Hammad Azhar, have gone into hiding to evade arrest.

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Lahore until October 8, prohibiting public gatherings.

Pakistan Rangers personnel have been deployed to support the police, and the Anti-Riots Force is on high alert. Over 600 PTI workers have been arrested during overnight raids, with many being detained from hotels across the city.

In a case of mistaken identity, four workers of the JUI-F were among those arrested but later released after party officials intervened.

Additionally, the Metro Bus Service has been partially suspended, with operations only running between MAO College and Gajju Matta.

Service to Shahdara has been halted due to the planned PTI protests, causing difficulties for commuters. The Metro Bus will resume full operations tomorrow (Sunday) at 6am.