Islamabad, Rawalpindi Tighten Security Ahead of Multiple Protest Marches

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have intensified security preparations as several protest marches are expected to approach the twin cities over the coming days. Containers have been positioned along major roads and entry points, while police and the civil administration have prepared plans for additional restrictions if demonstrations affect access to the federal capital.

Security barriers have been placed around Faizabad, Murree Road, the Faizabad Flyover and sections of the Islamabad Expressway. Containers are also positioned at Serena Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Avenue and T-Chowk Rawat. D-Chowk has been sealed as part of measures aimed at controlling access to sensitive areas, while arrangements are ready for possible restrictions at additional entry and exit points.

More than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad, while Rawalpindi police have sought thousands of additional personnel to reinforce local units. Law-enforcement agencies are also preparing barricades, anti-riot equipment and reserve manpower as officials assess how protest movements could affect traffic and public order across the twin cities.

The immediate focus is on Jamaat-i-Islami's train march, which began in Karachi and is scheduled to reach Rawalpindi on September 22. The party is campaigning for reductions in the petroleum levy and fuel prices and has mobilised supporters from different parts of the country. Authorities are expected to monitor the march closely as it approaches the capital region.

A separate farmers' protest is scheduled for September 25. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad has announced plans to bring farmers toward Islamabad over agricultural policies, wheat prices, rising production costs and other sectoral concerns. PTI's farmers' wing has also announced support for the mobilisation, adding another group to the series of demonstrations expected around the capital this week.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has separately announced a long march toward Islamabad for September 27. Party leaders say their demands include the release of founder Imran Khan as well as political and constitutional issues raised by the party. The federal government has said it will enforce the law and prevent unlawful occupation of roads or sensitive areas, while the Islamabad High Court has ruled that political parties do not have a legal right to occupy highways, roads or public buildings.

The security buildup is likely to affect commuters and commercial traffic, particularly around Faizabad and the main routes linking Rawalpindi with Islamabad. Authorities have kept additional containers ready for deployment and could impose further road closures depending on the movement and size of protest gatherings. Routes connecting the twin cities with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Punjab are also being monitored.

With demonstrations scheduled on multiple dates, security and traffic arrangements are expected to remain fluid throughout the week. Police and district administrations will continue assessing conditions at major entry points and sensitive locations, while commuters may face diversions or temporary closures if additional restrictions are activated.