LAHORE – The Punjab government has also called in the army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution to maintain law and order situation in the province as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced holding a protest rally at Minare-e-Pakistan today, Saturday.
A notification has also been issued in this regard, stating that law and order will be ensured around airports, roads and other areas.
PTI demonstration aims to address rising inflation, demand judicial independence, and call for the release of party founder Imran Khan. PTI labeled event a do or die situation, stressing their determination to proceed despite warnings issued by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The provincial authorities imposed Section 144 across Lahore, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock, effectively banning political gatherings until October 8 in Lahore and October 7 in Mianwali.
The government also deployed nine companies of paramilitary Rangers to ensure compliance and has already arrested around 600 PTI supporters in recent police operations.
Police in Lahore are on high alert, and got stern directives to patrol the city and detain anyone violating Section 144.
The army troops were called in Punjab hours after military took over security responsibilities in the federal capital, Islamabad.
The Ministry of Interior had issued orders for the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution, and the deployment of army troops in Islamabad and surrounding areas has been completed.
The army has begun patrolling across the area to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain law and order.
Limited Metro Bus operations in Lahore amid PTI Protest call
