ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration heightened security measures on Sunday by issuing a red alert and blocking multiple routes leading to the capital as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a public rally in Sangjani. Law enforcement agencies, including police, rangers, and paramilitary forces, were deployed across the city to manage any potential unrest arising from the event.
A suspicious bag containing a hand grenade, detonator, electric wires, and other explosive materials was discovered near the rally site. The bomb disposal squad was called in, and investigations are ongoing.
To ensure public safety, containers were placed at key points to control traffic, and access to the Red Zone was restricted. Major routes such as the Islamabad Expressway, Faizabad, and Rawat Chowk were sealed off, causing inconvenience for residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad was also suspended.
The rally was initially postponed after Islamabad’s administration revoked its no objection certificate for the event, citing security concerns. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan rescheduled the rally for September 8, following a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently in Adiala Jail.
On the eve of the rally, a significant legal development occurred when President Asif Ali Zardari signed “The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024” into law. This act empowers the district magistrate to regulate and ban public assemblies, proposing severe penalties for unlawful gatherings, including imprisonment of up to 10 years for repeat offenders. The new law aims to maintain order during political rallies and public gatherings in the federal capital.
Despite these measures, PTI leaders urged the Islamabad administration to refrain from obstructing their gathering, emphasizing that they had secured the necessary permissions. As tensions continue to rise, the city remains on high alert, reflecting the volatile political and security landscape in Pakistan.
