Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: The city district government, Rawalpindi has imposed Section 144 as part of security measures to avoid any untoward incident on arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman who is coming on Sunday.

The local management has issued notification to impose Section 144 in city for a week from February 15 to February 21, 2019. The deputy commissioner (DC), Rawalpindi Dr. Umar Jahangir has filed an application regarding imposition of Section 144 in city to Secretary Interior. The Secretary Interior has given permission to impose Section 144 in city.

According to a notification issued by city district government Rawalpindi that there will be ban on gathering of five or more persons at public places, pillion riding and use of loudspeakers except in mosques and Imambarghas. Showing weapons and aerial firing will also be banned. Strict action will be taken against any kind of hate speeches in any area of the city.

The law enforcement agencies will strictly monitor baseless poster displaying, wall chalking and distribution of hate literature. The local management will take immediate action against violators under Section 188.

An official of Metro Bus Authority on condition of anonymity said that Metro Bus will not go to Islamabad on February 16 and February 17, 2019. “The bus service will run only in Rawalpindi from Saddar to Faizabad,” the official said.

The concerned authority has also decided to set free around 4000 pigeons to mark the royal visit. The security of Saudi Prince has been handed over to Pakistan Army while over 10000 military and other law enforcement personnel would be deployed to protect the other royal guests.

The local management has advised public to avoid unnecessary travelling in between twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on February 16 and February 17.

The sources also said that mobile service in some areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would be suspended for a certain time on Saturday and Sunday.