Security tightened at Attock crossings ahead of PTI march

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inspected key entry points along the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border in Attock on Wednesday, as security measures tightened in preparation for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) march planned for September 27. The minister, along with Federal Investigation Agency Director General Dr Usman Anwar and Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa, inspected the Chach Interchange, Haroon Bridge, and Ghazi Barotha Bridge, critical road links connecting northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hazara division, and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.

Minister Naqvi's focus was on beefing up security at these strategic crossings. The administration has reportedly begun moving containers to checkpoints near Attock Khurd and Attock Bridge, positioning them on both sides of the road. Sandbags filled with sand and gravel were also transported to other entry points in Attock, with workers from the Suthra Punjab sanitation programme contributing to the effort.

The use of these sandbags may be for road blockades or temporary defensive positions, though it remains unverified if this material movement has official authorization or a specific blockade plan has been finalized.

The Chach Interchange, Haroon Bridge, and Ghazi Barotha Bridge in Attock hold particular importance due to their involvement in past PTI mobilizations and their role as crucial entry points for the upcoming Islamabad march.