Authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad are preparing for major disruption as four separate long marches are planned between September 20 and 27, prompting extensive security measures across the twin cities. The planned protests include marches by Jamaat-e-Islami, the Azad Kashmir Action Committee, farmers’ organisations and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Educational institutions, colleges and universities in Rawalpindi are expected to close from next week, along with hotels, motels, rest houses and inns. Transport terminals and goods-transport operations are also set to shut, while Metro Bus and Green Electric Bus services are expected to remain suspended. Markets and wholesale trading centres could also face closures.
Authorities have activated all 1,500 cameras under Rawalpindi’s Safe City project, while drones will also be used for surveillance. Mobile internet services and lights are expected to be suspended during the marches.
Large containers fitted with eight-inch spikes are being positioned at strategic entry points, including Faizabad, Chungi No. 26, Rawat, Chakri, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Bharakahu and 17-Mile, as authorities prepare to restrict access to the twin cities.
Hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been placed on emergency footing, with leave for doctors, nurses and paramedical personnel cancelled. Additional Rangers and Punjab Constabulary contingents have also been called in, while police have been supplied with tear-gas shells and rubber bullets.
Special security preparations are also under way in Attock ahead of the PTI march scheduled for September 27, which is expected to include participants travelling from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The first major mobilisation begins on Sunday, September 20, when Jamaat-e-Islami launches its protest against the petroleum levy. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is scheduled to lead a train march from Karachi towards Islamabad, with supporters joining along the route.
JI has said its supporters will begin converging on Islamabad from different parts of the country from September 20, while Hafiz Naeem has said the main march is expected to reach the capital around September 23-24. The party has maintained that it does not intend to block roads.
The other planned mobilisations include an Azad Kashmir Action Committee march on September 22, a farmers’ march on September 25 and PTI’s long march on September 27.
Business and education representatives have criticised the repeated protests, road closures and security restrictions, warning of significant disruption to commercial activity and daily life. They have called for dialogue between the government and political parties to reduce tensions rather than relying on confrontational protests or force.