PTI's Rawalpindi Strike and Rallies Prompt Police Crackdown Under Section 144
In a significant development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Rawalpindi division has announced a complete strike and evening rallies, leading to immediate police action to enforce Section 144 across the region. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema swiftly imposed a ban on rallies, sloganeering, and aerial firing under this legal provision yesterday, following PTI's announcement of rallies in all six districts of Rawalpindi. The party has appealed to its workers to march in defense of the Constitution of Pakistan, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.
Police Raids and Arrests in Rawalpindi Division
To preempt the strike and rallies, police conducted extensive raids throughout the division, targeting cities such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Marri, and Kotli Sattian. These operations resulted in the arrest of 11 PTI workers. However, the police efforts to apprehend central leaders proved unsuccessful, as major raids failed to capture any high-profile figures. Anticipating such moves, PTI leaders had taken precautionary measures to avoid arrest, highlighting the strategic planning on both sides.
Heavy Security Deployment and Preparations
In response to PTI's plans for rallies at 9pm from key locations including Murree Road, Rawal Road, Pirwadhai, Saddar, and Chandni Chowk, authorities have mobilized substantial security forces. Police from all stations have been deployed at important intersections across the six districts, with commandos and female police officers stationed to maintain order. Additional measures include the placement of containers at busy intersections, the use of drones for monitoring protesters, and the cancellation of police leaves to ensure full readiness.
Furthermore, all seven prison vehicles transporting accused individuals from Adiala Jail to court, along with armored vehicles, have been parked on Murree Road. A precautionary emergency has been declared in hospitals across Rawalpindi, requiring all doctors to be present. Police are on high alert from 7am to 12am on all routes and intersections, with anti-riot forces also deployed to handle any potential unrest.
PTI's Strike Call and Political Endorsements
Despite the heavy security presence, PTI workers have remained largely absent throughout the day, with expectations of showing up at the designated evening rally locations. PTI candidates, including Shehryar Riaz for the National Assembly and Ziad Khaliq Kayani for the Provincial Assembly, have reiterated their commitment to the strike. They emphasized that February 8 marks the day elections were allegedly stolen, and they plan to stay at home with vehicles parked as a form of national protest.
In separate addresses to workers, both leaders echoed that the complete strike aims to represent the voice of the nation. Adding to the political momentum, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has endorsed PTI's call by canceling his own protest scheduled for February 8, signaling broader support for the movement to protect the Constitution.
