The federal government has sealed off Islamabad and suspended cellular services in its Red Zone on Wednesday, a day before the arrival of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) 'Azadi March' and Pakistan Awami Tehreek's (PAT) 'Inqilab March'. The city administration and law enforcement agencies have made necessary arrangements to deal with the two anti-government protests on Independence Day, blocking main entrance to the capital, including highway near Rawat, Turnol and Bara Kohou.
However, some roads connecting the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained partially opened but these would also be blocked before the arrival PTI rally. Sources said the city administration would block all the roads leading to Imran Khan's residence in Bani Gala and all other main roads which were partially unblocked for traffic on Wednesday night. The administration has dug up trenches on entry and exit points while containers are being placed on main roads.
Thousands of security personnel, including police, Rangers and FC, has been deployed on key locations, including the parliament building and prime minister's office. Pak Army has taken control of the Parliament House to provide security during the Independence Day celebration ceremony. Sources said that Inspector General (IG) Islamabad has written a letter to the PTI leadership and informed about security threats in the city due to the on-going Zarb-e-Azb operation.
In his letter, the IG also told the PTI that there is no permission for holding public gatherings in the city due to imposition of section 144. He wrote that the police would be unable to provide protection to the party, hence informed it about the possible threats.
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