ATTOCK: Security measures have been significantly tightened in Attock ahead of a protest march and sit-in announced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) towards Islamabad on 27 September, with authorities reinforcing security arrangements at several key crossing points linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab.
Large shipping containers, sand-filled bags and other road barriers have been moved into position at Attock Bridge, Attock Khurd, Haro Bridge and a number of other major entry and exit points in the district.
Reports have also indicated that roadblocks fitted with metal spikes have been installed at some locations, including areas around Attock Bridge, as part of measures aimed at controlling the movement of vehicles and potentially large protest convoys.
Key Route Between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad
Attock occupies a strategically important geographical position, serving as one of the principal land routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with northern Punjab, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
In view of the anticipated protest movement, additional measures have reportedly been introduced at several access points in the district to regulate, restrict or divert the movement of vehicles travelling towards the federal capital.
According to reports, sections of the M-1 motorway linking Islamabad and Peshawar have been closed, including the stretch between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and the Chach interchange. The M-14 motorway has also reportedly been closed between Hakla and Kundal.
There have further been reports of the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) being closed in both directions at Attock Khurd. The reported closures are expected to remain in place until further notice, although traffic arrangements may vary depending on decisions taken by the authorities and developments on the ground.
Large-Scale Security Deployment
Attock has also witnessed a substantial deployment of security personnel.
Different reports have referred to the deployment of more than 30,000 security personnel in the Attock area, while additional reinforcements have reportedly been requested from police and other law-enforcement agencies across the Rawalpindi region.
The Punjab Government has also reportedly requested the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali for the period from 22 September to 5 October.
The additional deployment forms part of wider security arrangements being implemented ahead of the planned PTI mobilisation and amid concerns over possible disruptions to major transport routes.
Security Measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
In Islamabad, the local administration has maintained the imposition of Section 144, while containers have reportedly been positioned at several entry points into the capital and near other sensitive locations.
Police and other security agencies have also increased their presence at a number of locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Reports have described the use of containers and other physical barriers, including equipment designed to restrict or obstruct vehicular movement, at several major access points.
However, traffic conditions are not uniform across all locations. Police have indicated that some roads remain open to normal vehicular traffic, while restrictions and closures have been introduced on other routes.
Motorists and commercial transport operators have therefore been advised to expect possible delays, diversions and changes to normal traffic arrangements as the security situation develops.
Authorities and PTI Hold Differing Positions
Government and administrative authorities have said that the security measures are intended to maintain public order, protect sensitive installations and prevent activities that they consider unlawful.
The PTI and its supporters, however, have criticised the restrictions, viewing them as measures that limit the party’s ability to organise protests and conduct political activity.
The two sides therefore maintain differing positions over the legal and political justification for the restrictions, with the authorities citing security and public-order considerations while the PTI has raised concerns over restrictions on political mobilisation and peaceful protest.
Potential Impact on Road Travel
With the planned protest approaching on 27 September, security arrangements have intensified along the principal transport corridors between Attock, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The measures reported so far include the placement of containers and barriers around Attock Bridge, Attock Khurd and Haro Bridge, as well as restrictions affecting sections of the M-1, M-14 and GT Road. Police, Rangers and other law-enforcement personnel have also been deployed or placed on standby in several areas.
The measures are likely to have an impact on the movement of private vehicles, public transport and commercial traffic, particularly along routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Travellers and freight operators may face delays or be required to use alternative routes, depending on the location and duration of road closures. The situation remains subject to further decisions by the authorities and developments surrounding the planned protest.
This report reflects information and reports available regarding the security arrangements ahead of the planned 27 September mobilisation. Traffic restrictions and road closures may change at short notice depending on the situation on the ground.
