RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi and Murree police have devised a security and traffic plan for Independence Day.
As part of heightened security arrangements in Rawalpindi on the nights of August 13 and 14, around 750 police personnel, including Elite Force commandos and expert marksmen, were deployed, with 31 police checkpoints established.
Under a separate traffic plan, more than 1,000 traffic police personnel will be deployed to facilitate citizens and prevent one-wheeling.
Two SPs, six ASPs, 16 SHOs and inspectors, 258 constables and 83 Elite Force commandos have also been deployed to ensure foolproof security. More than 11 reserve forces of the district police and 14 teams of the Dolphin Force have also been deployed.
Traffic plan
More than 1,000 traffic police personnel have been deployed for traffic management. In addition to setting up special checking pickets to prevent one-wheeling in Rawalpindi city, seven special squads have also been formed to take legal action against violators on the nights of August 13 and 14.
Chief Traffic Officer, Rawalpindi, Farhan Aslam, directed all circle in-charges to take indiscriminate action against one-wheelers and underage drivers in their respective circles.
He further said that during a special campaign against underage riders and motorcycles with removed silencers, the rider and his vehicle would be impounded.
He also appealed to parents to keep a close eye on their children during these important days and avoid giving them motorcycles or cars at a young age so that they do not face legal problems.
Traffic plan and advisory for Murree
Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi said additional traffic police personnel had been deployed in Murree to facilitate tourists coming from across the country on the occasion of Independence Day on August 14.
He said more than 220 traffic police personnel had been deployed to keep traffic flowing smoothly in Murree district. Five roads in Murree city had been declared one-way, while Mall Road Murree had been completely closed to all traffic.
As part of the traffic plan, the entry of heavy vehicles into Murree city from 7am to midnight would be banned. Only heavy vehicles transporting food and water would be allowed to enter from midnight to 7am.
Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi also said that, considering the importance of Murree district, it had been divided into three circles and five sectors.
Traffic Officer Murree Sohail Shahzad would supervise all these duties.
The chief traffic officer said that during Independence Day and the long weekend, tourists had been asked not to park their vehicles in any no-parking area in Murree and to park them in designated areas to avoid inconvenience.
All squares in Murree city had been declared no-parking zones. Forklifts had been deployed to enforce the restriction, and violations of the one-way system would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
In Islamabad, over 4,000 personnel have been deployed in the capital as part of the security arrangements for Independence Day celebrations.
The police said the security measures were put in place on Wednesday evening as per of the plan finalised at a meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and attended all senior officers. The plan was finalised after reviewing traffic management, Safe City monitoring, public facilitation, and the overall security situation in the federal capital ahead of the 79th Independence Day.
The police said special security arrangements had been made at internal and external points, highways, avenues, and sensitive points, sensitive buildings, recreational and public areas, markets, Marakiz and shopping centres.
Besides, dozens of checkpoints were also set up at different roads, including entry and exit point and roads leading towards high security zone and Red Zone.
The IGP reviewed the security preparations in view of the expected movement of large numbers of citizens toward recreational areas, major roads, important locations, and public gatherings. He directed the deployment of additional police officials at key locations and event venues, effective monitoring of entry and exit points, and increased police presence across the city.
He also directed officers to further intensify enforcement under the “No to Weapon” campaign against illegal weapons, the display of weapons, and aerial firing. He made it clear that anyone found possessing or displaying illegal weapons or engaging in aerial firing would face strict legal action.
Mr Rizvi also directed that Safe City monitoring be further strengthened to ensure continuous surveillance of major roads, important and sensitive locations, and prompt police response to any untoward situation. Effective monitoring of hotel registrations and records through the Hotel Eye software should also be ensured.
Traffic police officials were also deployed on major roads, intersections, recreational areas, and event venues to ensure smooth traffic flow. The IGP directed the traffic police to ensure effective traffic management, adequate parking arrangements, and alternative routes where required, while facilitating the movement of citizens across the city.
All concerned units of the police were asked to maintain close coordination among relevant departments to ensure a prompt and coordinated response to any situation. The police officials deployed in the field were asked to facilitate citizens with professionalism, responsibility, and courteous conduct.
The IGP made it clear that no negligence or lapse in security, traffic management, or public facilitation arrangements would be tolerated.
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026
