RAWALPINDI – No more leave, and no room for a lapse as Rawalpindi Police have been ordered to remain on duty until October 1 as the twin cities gear up for heightened security ahead of the PTI protest.
Rawalpindi Police effectively put their entire force on standby, with City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera ordering a complete suspension of leave for officers and personnel until October 1, 2026.
The stern orders mean police officials serving in Rawalpindi will not be able to avail themselves of leave during the period covered by the order, as the department prepares for heightened security, law-and-order and operational demands. The decision comes as authorities across the Rawalpindi-Islamabad region brace for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s announced nationwide protest on September 27.
CPO instructed officers to remain particularly vigilant over security duties, prisoner transfers and movements, while making it clear that negligence or dereliction of duty will not be tolerated. Senior officers have also been ordered to stay active in the field and maintain close supervision of arrangements at sensitive locations.
The security net has already been tightened at churches and other important installations in Rawalpindi, with authorities enforcing stricter entry procedures and body searches.
The police command has simultaneously ordered intensified action against narcotics, kite flying and aerial firing, while reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the force.
No leave as protest preparations intensify
The extraordinary leave restriction comes as the twin-city administrations prepare for the possibility of a major mobilisation by PTI.
Authorities are working on multiple layers of security, including preventive detention, deployment of containers, additional manpower and expanded stocks of anti-riot equipment. In Islamabad, police have begun collecting intelligence on PTI’s preparations, with particular attention being paid to the activities and movements of local leaders, workers and activists.
Police sources say contractors who supply containers have been asked to arrange more than 1,000 units of different sizes. The barriers are expected to be used around the Red Zone, High Security Zone and major entry and exit points of the capital.
The plan also envisages blocking major roads and highways to restrict the movement of protesters and prevent large groups from reaching Islamabad from other parts of the country.
More than 100 containers have already reportedly been positioned at various locations, including Faizabad, Tarnol, Sangjani and near the Islamabad Traffic Police headquarters.
The container demand has reportedly surged across the country, with Punjab and Sindh police also seeking supplies for their own security arrangements. The resulting pressure on contractors has created concerns over availability. Authorities have instructed contractors to secure the maximum possible number of containers. Should private suppliers fail to meet the requirement, police may arrange additional containers themselves.
A separate manpower assessment is under way in Islamabad. Officials are considering requesting more than 15,000 additional personnel from Punjab and Sindh Police, the Federal Constabulary and Rangers. The capital’s anti-riot unit has also been put on alert and directed to audit its existing equipment and submit fresh demands. The requirement includes short- and long-range tear-gas shells and tear-gas guns.
Police intelligence units and the Special Branch have been tasked with closely monitoring PTI’s preparations. Officials are gathering information about local party leaders, workers and activists, while surveillance has been intensified around their movements and places of stay.
Pindi administration has also taken preventive measures of its own, issuing detention orders for more than 30 PTI workers and activists under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order law. The orders initially cover 30 days and, according to a police official, can in certain circumstances be extended to 90 days.
Section 3 of the MPO empowers administrative authorities, including deputy commissioners and district magistrates, to order preventive detention when they consider an individual’s activities a potential threat to public order.
The preparations are unfolding as PTI moves towards its September 27 nationwide protest and sit-in.
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