Islamabad (The COW News Digital)Authorities have intensified security arrangements in Islamabad and surrounding areas ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 protest, with containers deployed across major roads and key entry points connecting the federal capital with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
More than 2,000 containers have reportedly been positioned at strategic locations in Islamabad and Attock as authorities prepare to restrict access to the capital. Major routes, including the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, parts of the Grand Trunk Road and other connecting highways, have also been closed or restricted.
The security plan has focused particularly on routes linking Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Containers have been placed at locations including Attock Bridge, Haroon Bridge, Faizabad, T-Chowk Rawat, 26 Number Chungi, Srinagar Highway and other important entry points.
According to reports, the authorities are also considering deploying police personnel along pathways descending from the Margalla Hills to prevent protesters from using alternative routes to enter the capital.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened around Margalla Road, Srinagar Highway, Express Highway and connecting roads. Containers have reportedly been positioned at several points to restrict movement toward central Islamabad.
Attock has emerged as another major security focus because of its strategic location between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The district connects several important routes leading toward Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Authorities have already intensified security at Attock Bridge and other crossings. Containers and sandbags have been deployed at strategic points, while additional personnel have been mobilised across the district. Earlier reports indicated that around 30,000 security personnel were being deployed in Attock as part of preparations for the planned protest.
The closure of major routes has also affected ordinary commuters. Reports said passengers travelling between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have faced significant difficulties, while people travelling toward Islamabad and Peshawar airports and hospitals have also experienced disruption.
The National Highways and Motorway Police had announced the closure of the M-1 between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange, while the M-14 was closed between Hakla and Kundal. The N-5 was also closed at Attock Khurd.
Punjab authorities have also requested the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist the police in maintaining law and order during the protest period. The requested deployment was scheduled to continue until October 5.
Senior police officials have been inspecting security arrangements at major crossings and routes. The inspections include Attock Bridge, Chachh Interchange, Haroon Bridge, Ghazi Barotha and other points considered important for controlling movement toward Islamabad.
Inside the federal capital, the Red Zone has been heavily secured, with containers being welded together and filled with sand and gravel at some locations to prevent their removal. Authorities have also arranged additional accommodation for security personnel brought in from other areas.
The measures come as PTI continues preparations for its September 27 mobilisation. The party has said it intends to march toward Islamabad, while authorities have maintained that extensive security arrangements are necessary to maintain law and order and protect sensitive locations.
With major highways restricted and multiple entry points blocked, the security operation has significantly affected movement between Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the September 27 protest approaches.
