ISLAMABAD: Police deputed in Islamabad's Red zone area were authorised to use force against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protesters staging their Azadi March in the federal capital, according to the copy of a document available with Dawn.
The document, signed by a Supervisory Officer at the spot, allowed the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and lathi (baton) charge against the protesters if they entered the Red Zone.
Visuals and TV footage showed policemen and women, other security agency personnel (FC and Rangers) standing at the ready in riot gear.
Security in the Red Zone has been divided into three tiers with policemen deputed on the front-lines, other law enforcers (FC and Rangers) as the second tier, while army troops have been deployed in the third tier to protect key installations.
Additional containers were also placed on Constitution Avenue on routes leading to the Parliament and Secretariat.
PTI chief Imran Khan on Monday had vowed to lead the march into ‘Red Zone’ of the federal capital upon expiry of his deadline today.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed that women and children would march in the second row, right behind key PTI legislators and Imran Khan. The PTI Youth Wing would follow behind the women.
