ATTOCK, May 23: The district administration made foolproof security arrangements for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) public meeting addressed by the party chief Nawaz Sharif at Liaquat Ali Khan Shaheed Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
The local markets including Aslam Market, Sabzi Mandi and those on the bus stand link road remained closed.
The closure of the main markets created many problems for the residents as they could not purchase daily-use items.
The shopkeepers and vendors were also deprived of their daily earning due to the closure of their business.
Whereas the administration believed that it was necessary to ensure protection of the participants and to avoid any untoward incident.
As a blessing in disguise, the police and other law enforcement agencies removed the illegal stand of motorcycle rickshaws on Sabzi Mandi Road which had been a constant nuisance for the residents over a long time.
Moreover, the municipal authorities cleared the whole area of garbage and all kind of encroachments.
The security officials in uniform and civvies continued to patrol the area all through the day and many personnel were deployed at the main roundabouts and rooftops of the buildings around the venue.
Roads and streets leading to the venue were restricted with barbed wires and by erecting obstacles, and only vehicles of PML-N leaders, workers and security officials were allowed to use these roads.
The general public had to go on foot after parking their vehicles far away from the stadium.
Close circuit cameras were installed in and outside the stadium to ensure proper surveillance while people were also frisked through metal detectors.
A heavy standby generator was also arranged by the organisers for uninterrupted power supply in case of loadshedding.
Additional police force including elite force, special branch personnel, Punjab constabulary, counter-terrorism force and lady constables from Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Jhelum was also called out to strengthen the security.
Three special mobile medical squads were also stationed there under the supervision of Medical Superintendent DHQ hospital Dr Khalid Mehmood Khan at different areas while there was also high alert for doctors and other medical staff in the hospital.
Some residents, while commenting on the situation, said extraordinary security and other high profile arrangements for only a single person showed that it was the country only for VVIPs who were enjoying at the expense of the people and national exchequer while the common man had no security, health and other basic facilities.