ISLAMABAD — Authorities launched sweeping security preparations across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock ahead of the PTI protest scheduled for September 27, with mobile and internet restrictions, major highway closures and a massive deployment of security personnel forming the centrepiece of the security plan.
The security measures have placed Attock at the heart of the operation, as the district serves as a key route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region. Authorities are moving simultaneously to restrict telecommunications and block major routes leading towards the federal capital.
As per reports, Punjab Home Department has formally requested the federal Ministry of Interior to downgrade mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock. The request includes jamming 2G, 3G and 4G networks at specified points in Rawalpindi, while similar restrictions on mobile and internet connectivity have been sought in Attock.
Several strategically important locations along motorway routes have also been identified for possible connectivity restrictions, including Brahma Bahtar, Ganjoo, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri. Under the proposed arrangement, services at designated locations in Rawalpindi and Attock would remain downgraded from September 27.
The telecommunications restrictions are being accompanied by sweeping travel measures, with three major routes connecting KP and the federal capital ordered closed indefinitely from Wednesday evening. The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M1), Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway (M14), also known as the CPEC route, and the Grand Trunk Road (N5) have been shut until further notice.
The M1 will be blocked in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange, while the M14 will remain closed between Hakla and Kundal. The GT Road will also be blocked in both directions at Attock Khurd.
Security preparations have been particularly intensified around Hazro and nearby bridges, which are regarded as important routes for protesters travelling towards Islamabad. Containers and sandbags have reportedly been positioned at Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge to restrict movement between KP and Punjab.
Authorities have also tightened security around the Chhachh and Ghazi interchanges, while nearly 30,000 personnel, including senior officers, have reportedly been deployed across Attock.
The combination of telecommunications restrictions, highway closures and heightened security at key entry points reflects the scale of preparations being put in place ahead of the September 27 PTI protest. With major routes blocked and connectivity restrictions proposed at sensitive locations, movement towards Islamabad is expected to face significant disruption.
