The Rawalpindi city administration and police have transformed the city into a heavily fortified zone amid fears of a possible protest by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Containers, trailers, and barricades have been placed across key entry and exit routes, turning the city into what residents described as a “container city.”
According to officials, security has been tightened across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with 37 locations designated as blocking points to prevent any mass movement. Major roads including Murree Road, Faizabad, Moti Mahal Chowk, Shamsabad, Dhok Kala Khan, IJP Road, Pindora Chowk, Khanna Pul, and Chak Madad have been completely sealed off. All connecting routes between Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been shut down.
Traffic disruptions have been reported on GT Road as well, where police have blocked key points such as Taxila Chowk, Brahma Interchange, Fateh Jang Toll Plaza, Chak Beli Mor, Gujar Khan, Mandra Toll Plaza, and Chakwal Mor. In addition, a heavy police presence has been deployed in several areas including Kalma Chowk, Rahimabad, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Swan Bridge, and Adiala Road.
The police have deployed over 6,000 officers and personnel across the city to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. According to the Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, 37 security pickets have been established in police circles, equipped with anti-riot gear and crowd-control equipment.
Officers below the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) have been directed not to carry firearms, while senior officers will be armed. The deployed force has been provided with tear gas guns, rubber bullets, and 12-bore weapons for non-lethal crowd control.
The overall security command is being supervised directly by City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani. Along the sensitive Murree Road, from Shalimar Chowk to Faizabad, 13 special police teams and rooftop surveillance units have been deployed.
To maintain order, the district administration has imposed Section 144 across Rawalpindi for four days, banning all rallies, processions, and public gatherings. A ban on pillion riding has also been enforced throughout the city.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service has been suspended indefinitely, with police deployed at all metro stations. The road closures have caused severe inconvenience to commuters, office workers, and students, who faced long delays and detours.
Additionally, mobile internet services have been suspended in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad following an order from the Ministry of Interior. In an official letter to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the ministry directed that 3G and 4G data services remain suspended from midnight until further notice due to security concerns.
The letter stated that the shutdown was a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public safety and controlling communication during potential unrest. The Ministry of Interior instructed the PTA to ensure full implementation of the suspension and notified the Islamabad Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, and Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer accordingly.
Although mobile internet has been cut off across most parts of the twin cities, traffic in Rawalpindi Cantonment areas remains relatively normal.
