Pakistan: Nawaz Govt declares emergency situation, seals routes to Airport

Interior Ministry has imposed Section 144 at Benazir International Airport and its surrounding area ahead of the arrival of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

According to police sources, entry into the airport premises carrying banners and placards would not be allowed while those coming towards airport would be arrested.

The sources added that more than 6000 policemen would be deployed to stop the Awami Tehreek workers from going to airport. All the roads towards Islamabad airport have been sealed, while passengers inside the airport are being provided shuttle services, hence emergency situation has been declared in all the Government hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for 24 hours. Shuttle service has been provided to the passengers for Ammar Chowk and Koral Chowk. The district administration has advised the citizens to avoid unnecessary traveling.

According to police, all these measures were adopted due to security threats.

Meanwhile Dr. Altaf, the spokesman of PIMS Hospital told media that all the doctors and paramedical staff of PIMS Hospital and Poly Clinic have been instructed to remain alert on their duties. Hence, MS including all staff of Allied Hospital of Rawalpindi were also being ordered to remain on their duties.

Earlier on Saturday, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan imposed ban on holding any kind of rally or public gatherings in the federal capital, while ordering additional security on sensitive areas in the twin cities. A high level meeting chaired by Nisar took place here in Islamabad where the security arrangements of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri’s arrival were reviewed.

Interior Minister directed Commissioner Islamabad to impose a ban on holding any kind of rally or public gathering in Islamabad. He also directed the law enforcement to carry an intensive search operation of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad along with the adjacent areas and rid them of the militant elements on war-footing.