Ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s protest in Rawalpindi on Saturday (today), the Punjab government imposed Section 144 in the city, banning all public gatherings, and deployed paramilitary forces to ensure security.
Earlier this week, the PTI had initially announced it would stage a rally in Rawalpindi. However, PTI founder Imran Khan later announced the party did not expect to secure permission for it so would stage a “strong protest” at Liaquat Bagh instead. According the party leadership, the protest would commence at 2 p.m., with calls issued for the public to gather in large numbers. A convoy led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who is leading several thousand supporters to the garrison city, would join the local crowds.
But while the PTI is committed to proceeding with the protest, the government appears equally committed to placing hurdles in its path, with containers placed on all entrance and exit points of Liaquat Bagh and heavy security presence deployed to discourage any crowds. Addressing a press conference on Saturday morning, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said no one would be permitted to protest in Rawalpindi, alleging that the provincial government had received reports of the PTI bringing armed individuals to city from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
In addition to police, Rangers have been deployed to ensure security through Sunday. Overnight, several PTI workers and leaders were arrested when they tried to camp out at Liaquat Bagh.
The barriers, placed to dampen the PTI’s protest, have also impacted local businesses, with calls for protests to be organized in designated areas to avoid any disturbance to business activity.