RAWALPINDI: Following violent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters – the security level in the garrison city has been placed on high alert with deployment of 2,000 police officials around sensitive installations and buildings.

As part of tightened security, heavy freight containers were placed on Peshawar Road – from Military Hospital to General Headquarters (GHQ) with barbed wire while the road leading towards GHQ from Kutchery Chowk was partially blocked.

Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Syed Khuram Ali told Dawn that security has been placed on high alert in the garrison city with deployment of 2,000 police officials around sensitive government and private buildings.

He said: “The Pakistan Army troops will be available on request.”

The RPO said that around 300 people involved in violence have been detained so far in the division while more arrests are expected.

He said that around 40 people were arrested in Chakwal, 60 in Attock, 20 in Jhelum while 190 were arrested in Rawalpindi.

Security around police establishments, including the City Traffic Police Headquarters was also increased as it was attacked by PTI supporters on Tuesday.

On the other hand, as many as 10 first information reports (FIRs) have been registered with the Rawalpindi district police on different criminal charges and the anti-terrorism act (ATC).

Police said that all of the people nominated in the FIRs will be arrested and brought to justice for attacking public and government property.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2023