ISLAMABAD: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the motive behind the security arrangements put in place in Islamabad was to protect the lives and property of the people, and prevent mischief as is the responsibility of the police.

Addressing a news conference at D-Chowk, the IGP claimed that no citizen was facing any obstruction while traveling and if a road was closed somewhere an alternative route near to it was opened. It has also been confirmed from the airport that passengers are not facing any problems, he claimed.

There is no complete blockade with obstacles (containers), the IGP said, adding that Traffic Police had arranged complete alternative routes to ensure that traffic continued smoothly in all areas.

He also said all resources were being utilised to implement the orders of the Islamabad High Court to maintain peace and order in the federal capital and to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

So far police have arrested over 200 people wanted to police and such arrest was made in response to information regarding the suspects. The IGP said recoveries were also made from the arrested persons.

Search operations are being carried out at populated areas to maintain peace by police and Counter-Terrorism Department, the IGP said.

Additionally, he claimed that citizens were kept informed about security arrangements through various means, and information was also shared regarding police forces from other districts deployed in Islamabad.

He said that one thing he wants to clarify is that as police officers our foremost responsibility is to ensure adherence to the law, and we are fully committed to performing this duty.

Islamabad police are taking all possible measures to protect citizens’ lives and property, and no one will be allowed to disturb public peace, he said, adding that they were present to ensure that all duties are carried out professionally in line with the law.

On the other hand, City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani visited different areas of the city and reviewed the security arrangements put in place by the government to thwart the PTI’s protest.

Senior Superintendent of Police Operations, Divisional SPs, SDPOs and other officers were also with the CPO during his visit to the city and briefed him on the security arrangements.

The CPO gave instructions to the officers and the force regarding security duty as more than 6000 personnel had been deployed to ensure peace and order.

The CPO said that anybody who disturbed peace and order and violated the law will be dealt with iron hands and legal action will be taken for violation of Section 144 and there will be no compromise on the rule of law and the safety of life and property of citizens.

In line with the security plan, anti-riot police assisted by troops of Rangers had been deployed in the city which was blocked from 70 points and 65 police pickets had been established to ensure law and order and to deal with the PTI’s protest.

Faizabad was blocked at Survey of Pakistan; T-Chowk Rawat was blocked with containers, Chakwal-Mandra road blocked at Sahang Kala, Chakwal-Jhelum Road at Pir Phulahi while GT Road was blocked at Jhelum Bridge and Wazirabad.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024