In response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) grand rally in Swabi, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for three days, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, and the display of weapons. This measure, announced by Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, comes as security in Rawalpindi and Attock is heightened, with police on high alert.
To manage potential unrest, 1,500 personnel from the Punjab Constabulary, Highway Patrolling Police, and other districts have been deployed, equipped with tear gas and riot control gear. Provisions for transportation, food, and accommodations have also been arranged for the security forces.
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Meanwhile, PTI has completed preparations for its Swabi rally, where key party leaders, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Barrister Gauhar, and Asad Qaiser, are expected to address the gathering. The rally, taking place at the Motorway Rest Area in Swabi, aims to mobilize support for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. PTI’s Peshawar Region President, Arbab Asim, has called it a historic event, with leadership from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and central leaders from Punjab and Islamabad participating.
PTI has tasked its elected members with bringing supporters to the rally, with transportation and food arranged for the participants. Each representative from districts like Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera is responsible for bringing at least 1,000 supporters, while those from other areas are required to bring 500. The rally is set to start at 2 pm, but is likely to begin around 4 pm. PTI workers from regions including Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Khyber will also attend, while speeches will be delivered by Gandapur and other leaders, with Faisal Javed managing the stage. Rescue services and fire brigades will be stationed at the venue for emergency preparedness.
