Ahead of PTI’s protest: Two threat alerts issued for Islamabad

The PTI has announced to stage protest today against the recent election results

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir
February 17, 2024
Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stage a protest demanding the release of PTI leader Imran Khan. — AFP/File
Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stage a protest demanding the release of PTI leader Imran Khan. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital has received serious threats of terrorism from specific banned groups and has issued two high alerts, which have been shared with the authorities concerned.

The political activists who have planned to stage agitation in the federal capital today (Saturday) have been warned about the alerts and against unlawful assembly in the capital city. Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has made it clear that in the absence of permission for any demonstration, nobody would be allowed to assemble or protest at any place in the federal capital at any public place today.

In a brief chat with The News Friday evening he said that it’s incorrect to say that any party has sought permission for staging any protest on Saturday. In the circumstances, the protest wouldn’t allowed by any party or group, he said.

Highly placed sources told The News that additional troops of Rangers have been called in the city and they have been placed as additional force for dealing with any eventuality. The sources warned that Police Order 2002 is in place in Islamabad and no activity or gathering would be permitted without prior information/ permission from the police officials of the area or administration.

No such information has been communicated to the police officials till Friday late evening. Such information must reach to the officials concerned before reasonable time. The sources said that assembly of five or more than five persons isn’t allowed in the federal capital under Section 144 and this also prohibits any gathering in the federal capital.

The PTI has announced to stage protest today against the recent election results.

The sources advised the people not visit or come close to the places which are known gathering points of agitation. The diplomats posted in Islamabad have also been informed to take all precautions regarding their movement and interaction with the people outside. They have been advised not make movement unnecessarily.