ISLAMABAD: The capital territory administration and the police are flexing their muscles to ‘counter’ the protest rally called by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) on May 11.

The countrywide protest call has been given by the two parties against the alleged rigging in the general elections of 2013.

In the capital city, the protesters plan to hold a rally at D-Chowk in the Red Zone. However, the officials said the Red Zone would be sealed by placing containers and barbed wires.

For this purpose, the assistant commissioners and police officers have been asked to arrange 30 to 50 containers before May 10.

Besides, paramilitary troops, including Rangers, will be deployed to stop the protesters from entering the high security area.

The administration also approached the interior ministry to seek directions whether the protesters should be allowed to enter the federal capital or stopped at the entry points. However, a reply is still awaited from the ministry, the officials added.

If the ministry decides to stop the protesters at the main entry points of the city, the police would also seal the I.J. Principal Road, Kashmir Highway, Expressway and the Islamabad Highway.

The officials said around 3,500 policemen, including the 206 personnel of the Punjab Elite Force, would be deployed on security duty. An extra contingent from Punjab and Kashmir police would also be sought, they added.

The police are also approaching food outlets in the city to arrange lunch and dinner for the personnel who will be performing duties on May 11.

The police and the capital administration were also trying to approach their counterparts in other districts to request them to persuade the transporters in their respective areas not to provide buses and other vehicles to the activists of the two parties to take part in the rally in Islamabad.

The special branch of the police is also in touch with its counterparts in other districts to get help in dealing with the protesters.