In a show of strength and commitment to law enforcement, Rawalpindi police conducted a prominent flag march across the city on Sunday. The event began at Police Headquarters and covered major routes such as Ammar Chowk, Rawal Road, Shaheen Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Double Road, Faizabad, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Peshawar Road, Chohar Chowk, Adiala Road, among others.
Led by SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob, the procession included senior officers such as SSP Investigation Farhan Aslam and Divisional SPs, SDPOs, SHOs, and various police personnel. City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani emphasized that no illegal gatherings would be tolerated under Section 144 enforcement. He urged citizens to refrain from participating in any unlawful or disruptive activities while stressing the importance of safeguarding the lives and property of residents.
Authorities extended the implementation of Section 144 for an additional 15 days, effective until February 21st, following recommendations from the District Intelligence Committee (DIC). Under the new restrictions, public gatherings of five or more individuals including meetings, processions, sit-ins, assemblies, rallies, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers, firearms, inflammatory speeches, and possession of items like sticks, slingshots, bearings, or petrol bombs is also banned.
The extension of Section 144 coincides with ongoing security alerts in the region aimed at maintaining public order and preventing potential unrest. Security measures include over 4,300 police personnel deployed throughout Rawalpindi, random checks conducted at 82 locations, special pickets established at entry and exit points, continuous monitoring through Safe City cameras, and patrols by police mobiles, Elite Force, and Dolphin Force teams.
Security personnel are also enforcing a ban on pillion riding on motorcycles. The extension of Section 144 underscores the Rawalpindi district administration’s efforts to ensure peace and protect public safety amid heightened security concerns in the area.