Security tightened in Punjab, Islamabad ahead of PTI's march on federal capital

Security measures have been intensified in Punjab and Islamabad in anticipation of a political rally organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The opposition party's chief, Sohail Afridi, had planned a tour of 13 cities in Punjab to rally supporters ahead of a peaceful protest march on September 27. However, the KP CM indicated that he would make a detour to visit the residence of a recently deceased PTI worker in Lahore before proceeding with his itinerary.

The Punjab government has imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more individuals, effective until September 17, under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code. This restriction also prohibits the carrying or display of weapons and any activity that incites unlawful assemblies. Authorities have cited intelligence reports suggesting that terrorist groups might target large public rallies, citing the need to safeguard lives and property rather than suppress dissent.

In addition to the local ban on public gatherings, the federal government has mandated that Punjab provide 15,000 police personnel for Islamabad's security. This deployment, alongside contributions from Sindh and Balochistan, will comprise a total of 23,500 officers by September 20. In Rawalpindi, all police officers have been ordered to report for duty without leave, barring genuine emergencies.

The authorities have also taken measures to monitor the activities of PTI leaders and supporters. A list of 179 PTI figures, including sitting and former lawmakers, has been prepared, and district authorities have issued preventive detention orders against dozens of PTI workers under the Maintenance of Public Order Act. This includes 31 individuals in one Punjab notification and an additional 14 in Toba Tek Singh.

The PTI has accused the provincial authorities of launching a coordinated campaign against its leadership and rank and file, alleging that hundreds of workers, including women, have been detained in raids across the province. Other PTI leaders claim that the heavy police presence at the funeral of a deceased party worker, Ishtiaq Ahmad, led to hurried prayers and prevented some relatives from attending.