Security Measures Intensified Against PTI Long March
Sajid Ali | Published September 20, 2026 | 08:30 PM
15,000 additional police personnel requested; authorities contacted to close 48 Rawalpindi educational institutions to house personnel arriving from across Punjab, ARY News reported.
The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have initiated security arrangements to maintain law and order in anticipation of several significant events: Jamaat-e-Islami’s train march, the Farmers Union's protest, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) proposed long march on September 27.
According to ARY news, the Rawalpindi Police has contacted the district administration to close 48 educational institutions and hand them over to accommodate more than 15,000 additional police and Punjab Constabulary personnel from various districts, including provisions for their accommodation and meals. These reinforcements are expected to arrive within the next 24-48 hours to secure sensitive locations and protest routes.
Due to the train march starting from Karachi by Jamaat-e-Islami and opposition protest activities, all Federal hospitals in Islamabad have been placed on alert per instructions from the Ministry of Health. The administrations of Polyclinic Hospital and PIMS issued directives placing the hospitals on high alert until further notice. All doctor, nurse, and paramedical staff leaves were cancelled, and they were instructed not to leave the city. Dr Tanveer Afsar was appointed focal person for emergency situations.
The directive specified that the Polyclinic’s blood bank maintain an adequate stock of 100 bags of blood for emergency needs. Ambulances were kept operational around the clock, with essential medicines and medical equipment fully stocked. The emergency department prepared 20 designated beds for male and female patients and injured persons, ensuring sufficient oxygen supplies. Two rooms in the Polyclinic’s officer ward were specifically allocated to handle any unusual situation.