Five PTI Parliamentarians Detained Ahead of Islamabad Long March

ISLAMABAD: Five Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf parliamentarians have been detained as authorities intensify security preparations ahead of the party's planned long march toward the federal capital. Federal police have also prepared lists of other key lawmakers as part of measures being taken before protesters begin moving toward Islamabad.

Those detained include Sanaullah Masti Khel, Saifullah Niazi and Ghaus Muhammad, who were taken into custody outside Parliament Lodges. MNA Dawar Khan and Hamad Jamal Hassan Khan were detained from Radio Pakistan Chowk in Mianwali. The developments come as law-enforcement agencies prepare for possible large-scale movement of supporters toward Islamabad.

Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, is also being held in Lahore and has been shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. An order issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner provides for her detention for 30 days, citing concerns related to public order and safety.

Security preparations are also expanding in Rawalpindi, where police have approached the district administration seeking the closure of 48 educational institutions. The buildings are expected to be used to accommodate police personnel being brought into the twin cities from other districts as authorities increase manpower ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Officials are preparing measures on routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Islamabad in an effort to control the movement of protest caravans. Plans include digging trenches at several approaches and positioning barriers at important entry points. Locations identified in the preparations include GT Road, 26 Number Chungi, Pirwadhai, IGP Road, Aswal Mor and Kati Pahari.

Around 15,000 additional police personnel are expected to be deployed for security and law-and-order duties. Personnel arriving from different districts of Punjab are expected to reach Rawalpindi and Islamabad within the next 24 to 48 hours, with arrangements being made for their accommodation and operational deployment.

The heightened security measures come as multiple political demonstrations place additional pressure on the administration of the twin cities. Authorities are preparing hospitals, transport routes and law-enforcement resources for possible disruptions while attempting to keep key roads and public facilities functioning. Further decisions on road restrictions, institutional closures and deployments are expected as protest movements approach the capital.