According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is to hold a rally on Sunday (08 September) in Islamabad’s outskirts. The venue is a 350-kanal compound located on Paswal Road near Sangjani and is reportedly under the control of the military establishment.
As the party finalised its preparations for the rally, the capital police blocked almost all entry points of the city amid intelligence reports of a ‘medium-level’ terrorism threat in light of the political gathering. PTI leadership has also directed MNAs, MPs, and ticket holders from nearby constituencies to arrive with at least 500 workers, while those from distant areas are expected to bring 150 workers.
• The 21 points blocked with containers are Nicholson’s Monument, New Margalla Road turn on G.T Road, Sangjani Toll Plaza, Water Tanki on Margalla Road, New Margalla Road Loop opposite F-10/2, 26 Number Chongi, Zero Point, Faisal Chowk, Khayban Chowk, Rawat T-Cross, Khanna Bridge, Tramri Chowk, Shahpur Road Turn, U-Turn on Murree Road, Bridge on Murree Road near Traffic Office, Faizabad, 9th Avenue, Gandum Godown, Golra Mor Haji Camp, Motorway Old Toll Plaza, and Tarnol Phattak, they added. All the roads leading to the ‘red zone’ except for the Margalla Road are also blocked.
• The Metro Bus administration has announced a suspension of services between Rawalpindi’s Saddar Station and the Pakistan Secretariat. The service is also fully suspended at Faizabad, a key route in Rawalpindi. The Islamabad Expressway has been closed from different points, while Faizabad, Khanna Pull and Rawat T Chowk too have been blocked as well.
• Authorities from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have also shared a comprehensive traffic plan for the event.
• For Islamabad residents: Access the venue via Margalla Avenue or Iran Avenue and for those coming from Rawalpindi: Use Dhamial Road or Girja Road to reach either Thalian or Chakri Interchange on the M2 motorway, then proceed via Paswal Road from the AWT Interchange.
• From Gujar Khan and surrounding areas: Use G.T. Road to Rawat, then take Chakbeli Road to the Chakri Interchange and continue on the M2.
• From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (via M1): Use the AWT Interchange and then Paswal Road to reach the venue.
• From Wah Cantt: Travel via the Brahma Jhang Bahtar Interchange on the M1, then take the AWT Interchange and Paswal Road.
• From Murree: Follow Shahpur Road/Phulgaran Road to Khana Pull, then continue via Lethrar Road, Rawat T Chowk, Chakbeli Road, and the Chakri Interchange to join the M2.
• Meanwhile, police have recovered a suspicious bag from near the PTI gathering venue in Sangjani. A hand grenade, detonator, electric wires and other explosive material have been recovered from the bag, stated the police. To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, will be stationed at the rally venue and across the capital.
