Extraordinary security arrangements have been put in place in Peshawar amid a high security alert. Roads leading to Assembly Chowk and the Red Zone have been closed with containers, according to a report on Sunday.
The measures come as a long march led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stays in Mardan. The march intends to move towards Peshawar instead of Swabi if an emergency is proclaimed.
Road closures and service suspensions across Peshawar
Heavy police contingents have been deployed on GT Road, Warsik Road, Kohat Road and Pishta Kharra road. Containers have also been placed on the entry road from Swat.
Mobile phone and Internet services have been suspended in Swabi.
Inspector General’s orders on handling protests
The Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has told district police officers to tackle any protest. He said demonstrations or illegal gatherings should first be handled through dialogue. If talks fail, the anti-riot squad will act, followed by aerial firing and rubber bullets.
The provincial police chief warned that miscreants or anti-state elements could damage property. He said police must secure state property, public property and police stations. The IG also ordered complete video recording and monitoring of protests.
PTI opposes governor’s rule and emergency
The PTI opposed governor’s rule and the proclamation of emergency in the province at a party meeting the previous night. In a statement after a joint session of its political and core committees, the party said it was defending people’s constitutional and democratic rights. It also condemned all forms of terrorism, saying “The PTI is against terrorists and terrorism.”
The session praised opposition to governor’s rule from the ANP, JUI and Jamaat-e-Islami. It said another joint session would be held if an extraordinary constitutional or executive measure is taken.
