Islamabad, Rawalpindi tighten security ahead of PTI march as 24 schools close

Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock are tightening security ahead of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march on the capital on Sept. 27, with tens of thousands of police being deployed and roadblocks prepared, officials said on Monday.

Authorities have said they will take measures to prevent disruption in the capital.

How many police are being deployed ahead of the PTI march?

More than 22,000 police personnel are being prepared for deployment in Islamabad, overseen by eight deputy inspectors general, 10 senior superintendents of police and 40 superintendents of police. Rawalpindi is deploying more than 13,000 personnel, and about 30,000 are being prepared for Attock, a key route between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said.

The Islamabad deployment will also include 58 deputy superintendents of police and 246 inspectors. They will supervise personnel stationed across different sectors and sub-sectors of the capital.

Additional personnel from districts across Punjab have begun arriving in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock as authorities prepare for a possible influx of protesters. Rawalpindi police have had their leave cancelled and have separately begun taking containers into custody to restrict movement towards the twin cities.

Police have been given a target of securing 350 containers in Rawalpindi. Containers are also being kept on standby along major roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, according to officials.

Which Islamabad schools will close for the security buildup?

A total of 24 schools and other educational facilities in Islamabad will remain closed from Tuesday, while other institutions will continue operating. The affected institutions include several schools in the G-6, F-6, F-7 and G-7 sectors, as well as selected facilities in Tarnol, Sangjani, Sihala, Nara and the Rawal Dam areas.

Police personnel will be accommodated in the closed institutions, officials said. Authorities have surveyed more than 100 buildings in Islamabad to house the additional security personnel, including the Sports Complex, Pak-China Friendship Centre and several educational institutions.

Similar accommodation arrangements are being made in Rawalpindi and Attock. A report on facilities for the additional personnel has already been submitted to the authorities.

Why are authorities tightening security in Islamabad?

PTI has maintained plans for a Sept. 27 march to Islamabad.

The party is demanding the release of former prime minister and party founder Imran Khan, and access to him for his family, lawyers and doctor. Authorities have said they will enforce court orders.