Islamabad (TDI): In a decisive move, the Pakistan Army has assumed security duties in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution, following directives from the Ministry of Interior.
This step comes as the capital braces for escalating protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The deployment of army units has been completed, with troops now positioned across Islamabad and its surroundings.
Their mandate includes patrolling vital areas to safeguard citizens and protect public property, especially in light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Tensions have risen due to clashes between PTI workers and police, prompting authorities to take additional measures to control the situation.
PTI protests led to confrontations at D-Chowk on Friday, where police resorted to tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
Several PTI workers were arrested at various locations, including 26 Number Chungi.
Additionally, army units from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have been deployed to assist in security operations amid rising tensions in the capital, according to media reports.
Violence escalated as PTI workers clashed with police on Jinnah Avenue, leading to tear gas usage and further arrests.
Demonstrators retreated toward China Chowk, retaliating with slingshots. Police deployed two armored vehicles to manage the situation.
The atmosphere remains tense in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with PTI supporters gathering at D-Chowk and encountering police resistance, resulting in at least six arrests.
Nationwide, over 30 PTI workers have been detained.
Clashes on Motorway
At the Burhan Interchange, confrontations erupted between PTI convoys and police, with tear gas deployed to manage the crowds.
A PTI convoy from Peshawar reached Katti Pahari near the M-1 Motorway, where police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, who retaliated by throwing stones.
Police set up barricades to hinder the advancing PTI convoy.
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Rawalpindi’s City Police Officer, Khalid Hamdani, led a substantial police force to the Rawalpindi-Attock boundary, prepared to confront the PTI convoy.
Security forces have sealed off routes leading into Islamabad, restricting access from Rawalpindi to prevent further unrest.
Police confirmed three arrests at D-Chowk, including two civilians and a PTI supporter, amid escalating confrontations.
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In Rawalpindi, key thoroughfares, including Murree Road, remain blocked for over 16 hours, causing significant disruptions to transportation.
Public transport is largely offline, and motorcyclists face challenges due to barricades.
Despite heavy security, a female PTI supporter reached D-Chowk, shouting slogans against the government, prompting her swift detention by police.
Major roads, such as Cheering Cross and Mall Road in Saddar, have been closed, and Rawalpindi’s City Traffic Police have advised against unnecessary travel due to ongoing unrest.
Access for motorcycles on major roads linking the twin cities is permitted, but entry into Islamabad’s Red Zone is entirely restricted.
Tense Situation in Punjab
In Punjab, Section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, prohibiting political gatherings and protests.
Rangers have been deployed in these areas to maintain order during the protests.
In Rawalpindi, tear gas shelling by police at Faizabad has distressed local residents, with shells fired into residential areas along the Expressway, causing breathing difficulties for families.
