ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Saturday imposed a ban on pillion riding besides suspending the metro bus service as the National Assembly is scheduled to meet for a voting on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday (today).

Officials of the capital administration said a two-day ban had been imposed on pillion riding while the metro bus service would remain suspended for one day.

A notification issued by the district magistrate said: “It has been brought into my notice that during the National Assembly session in Parliament House on April 3, some pillion riders are likely to disrupt peace and tranquility of general public. There are sufficient grounds to prohibit the use of motorcycles for pillion riding to avoid any threat to public and tranquility within Islamabad and to provide immediate protection to public life and property.”

Therefore, the use of motorcycles for pillion riding in Islamabad is prohibited for two days — April 2 and 3.

The capital administration in a letter also asked the manager operations (technical) of Punjab Mass Transit Authority Rawalpindi to suspend the service on April 3.

Ruling, opposition parties reminded that Section 144 already in place in Red Zone

In the wake of the current political scenario, foolproof security arrangements are required to be made to ensure the safety and security of parliamentarians and the citizens. Keeping this in view, it is requested that concerned quarters may kindly be approached for suspension of the metro bus service in the jurisdiction of the capital on April 3, said the letter.

The capital administration also sent reminders to the local leaders of the ruling party and its allies as well as the opposition that a two-month ban had been imposed on gathering of five or more people, procession/rallies and demonstrations inside Red Zone, the officials said.

The Red Zone comprises the area west of the intersection of Third Avenue and Murree Road, including the new embassy of China, area south of University Road up to Fourth Avenue, south of Khayaban-i-Iqbal from Fourth Avenue up to Ataturk Avenue, east of Ataturk Avenue up to Jinnah Avenue, east of Embassy Road up to Khayaban-i-Suhrawardy, north of Khayaban-i-Suhrawardy up to Serena Chowk, Convention Centre Chowk up to intersection of Murree Road and Third Avenue and areas outside Red Zone with in one kilometer radius from the outer periphery of Red Zone on all sides.

Officers of the capital administration and police told Dawn on condition of anonymity that keeping in view the prevailing political situation, 5,000 personnel of the capital police along with 3,000 of Punjab police, 2,000 personnel of Rangers and 3,000 personnel of FC had been deployed in and around the Red Zone, the capital’s entry points along with main and sensitive points. The deployment of police personnel was also being made on the rooftop of buildings located on Constitution Avenue.

There are chances of physical confrontation as the ruling party and the opposition JUI-F have asked their members and activists to reach the capital to counter each other, the officers added.

Reports collected from different sources by the police and the administration showed that political workers and activists may attack the leaders and members of their opponent parties, create law and order situation,

block roads, damage public and private parties, they said, adding keeping in view the situation security had been further strengthened in the Red Zone and all the buildings located in the area.

The Red Zone has been sealed except Margalla Road, the officers said. In this regard, containers were being brought there and placed at the entry points of Red Zone to restrict and regulate the entry of people.

Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary troops were also being deployed at the entry points of the Red Zone as well as the entry points of the city with the instruction to intercept groups, rallies and motor caravans.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2022