Pakistan has stepped up security preparations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as political parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) prepare for separate protests. Police authorities have canceled routine leave for personnel to ensure sufficient manpower remains available for security duties.
Islamabad Police have suspended different kinds of leave for their personnel until October 5. The order covers casual, earned and ex-Pakistan leave, and emergency leave may still be granted in certain circumstances.
Police officers and personnel who are already on leave have also been directed to return to their respective posts.
Rawalpindi Police have taken a similar step and suspended leave for personnel until October 1. This has come as authorities prepare for growing security measures in the twin cities, where there are going to be high levels of political activities and demonstrations on the cards.
Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a march towards Islamabad starting September 20. The party is protesting against fuel prices and the petroleum levy. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said the party could end its protest if the government withdraws the petroleum levy.
PTI has also announced a nationwide protest, with its Islamabad march to take place on September 27. The party has said its campaign will be centered on the release of its founder Imran Khan as well as demands on the Constitution and political issues.
The planned demonstrations have led authorities to increase security measures around the federal capital. Some routes towards Islamabad’s Red Zone have been set up with greater security and containers have been erected at critical points, as reported by local media.
There is also going to be more police in a number of sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court has issued directions on the PTI protest. According to the court, political parties cannot occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings in a manner that blocks access to essential services and facilities.
The court also directed provincial governments to ensure that government resources and official machinery are not used for the PTI's planned march.
Mohsin Naqvi, the Interior Minister, has said the authorities will take steps to prevent attempts to enter Islamabad in violation of the restrictions and court directions. Security agencies have begun preparing for the upcoming protest dates as the announced protests are coming closer.
The cancellation of police leave also shows the security preparations made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. With separate mobilisations planned by Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI, authorities are focusing on keeping law and order, protecting sensitive locations and keeping major routes operational during the protests.
The situation is likely to continue to be closely monitored as September 20 and September 27 approach, and the size and movement of the demonstrations may have to be further modified for further security decisions.
