ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have recovered a suspicious bag from near the PTI gathering venue in Sangjani, in the outskirts of Islamabad. A hand grenade, detonator, electric wires and other explosive material have been recovered from the bag, said police.
Police said the bomb disposal squad was present at the site and investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, the civil administration of Federal Capital of Islamabad on Sunday raised its security alert and blocked off multiple arteries leading to the federal capital as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a public rally at its Sangjani locality today.
The authority concerned has directed the police officers to remain within their jurisdiction, equip the personnel deployed on duty with complete kit and ensure that mobile phone is not used during the duty hours.
To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, rangers, and paramilitary forces, will be stationed at the rally venue and across the capital. These forces will be on alert to counter any potential violence stemming from the PTI gathering, officials said.
After the local administration of the city revoked its no objection certificate and sealed roads leading to the federal capital on August 22, PTI had put off its public gathering in Islamabad and rescheduled it for September 8 (today).
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan had said the rally would now be held on September 8, as per instruction of PTI founder Imran Khan.
“We postponed the jalsa following a meeting with the PTI founder in Adiala jail,” he said.
In order to maintain the law and order situation, containers have been placed at various key points to restrict traffic movement in the federal capital.
All the routes leading to the red zone have been sealed with containers. Only the relevant persons can take the Margalla road route to enter the red zone. The artery from Chongi No. 26, GT Road Taxila, has also been closed.
The Islamabad Expressway has been closed from different points, while Faizabad, Khanna Pull and Rawat T Chowk too have been blocked.
Closure of thoroughfares between Islamabad and Rawalpindi has created immense trouble for residents of the twin cities, despite the fact that alternate routes have been provided for people’s facilitation. Police have also been deployed on the alternate paths.
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