Protests against Rawalpindi tragedy across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Wafaqul Madaris al-Arabia is observing countrywide 'protest day' against the Rawalpindi tragedy. Protest rallies are being taken out in several cities following Friday prayers.

All educational institutes in the garrison city remain closed while a rally is being taken out which started from Lal Mosque and will culminate at the Islamabad’s National Press Club.

Difa-e-Pakistan Council and traders bodies announced their support to a ‘peaceful protest’ while the Punjab government has deployed army and paramilitary Rangers to 13 districts as part of security arrangements.

Karachi chapter of the AWSJ also announced to take out rallies to record protest against the Rawalpindi tragedy.


Security Arrangements

Strict security arrangements are in place in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Rangers are present to support the police, while the Pakistan Army remains on standby. The link road between the twin cities has also been closed. In Lahore, police have setup checkpoints in several areas of the city.

Police and army have been deployed in several areas of Multan and private educational institutions remain closed. Pillion riding has been banned in Faisalabad where over 500 mosques and 25 Imambargahs have been declared sensitive.

A rally taken out in Quetta which will culminate at the press club. Several markets have been closed in the city.

The services of the Frontier Constabulary have been sought to thwart any untoward incident in Peshawar.

In Karachi, roads adjoining to Gurumandir have been blocked by placing containers while police and Rangers have been deployed to maintain the law and order situation.