RAWALPINDI: Police carried out a flag march across the garrison city on Sunday to showcase their readiness and reiterate their resolve to maintain law and order.
At the same time, the district administration extended the enforcement of Section 144 for an additional 15 days. A notification stated that the restrictions will now remain effective until February 21, following recommendations by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC).
Under the extended order, all forms of gatherings including meetings, processions, sit-ins, assemblies and rallies along with the assembly of five or more people, will continue to be prohibited.
The notification also barred the use of loudspeakers and the public display of firearms, while hate speech and controversial or inflammatory statements were strictly banned.
Additionally, the carrying or use of sticks, slingshots, bearings and petrol bombs has been outlawed. The administration warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating Section 144.
The flag march commenced from Police Headquarters and passed through several key areas, including Ammar Chowk, Rawal Road, Shaheen Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Double Road, Faizabad, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Peshawar Road, Chohar Chowk, Adiala Road and surrounding localities.
SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob led the march, which was attended by the SSP Investigation, Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam, divisional SPs, SDPOs, SHOs and other senior officers.
Police officials stated that the march was intended to demonstrate the Rawalpindi Police’s determination to ensure peace and stability in the city.
City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani emphasized that no unlawful gathering would be tolerated under Section 144 and warned that those involved in violations or disruptive activities would be dealt with an “iron hand”.
He appealed to citizens to avoid participating in any illegal or mischievous acts, stressing that safeguarding the lives and property of the public remained the police’s foremost priority.
Law enforcement agencies were placed on high alert, with over 4,300 police personnel deployed for security and traffic management duties. Senior officers remained on the ground to oversee the arrangements.
Random checks were underway at 82 locations across Rawalpindi, along with the installation of special pickets at entry and exit points. Authorities continued to monitor the enforcement of Section 144 through Safe City and other surveillance cameras.
A police spokesperson said comprehensive security measures had been implemented citywide, with personnel maintaining heightened vigilance.
The CPO further said that pillion riding had been banned, while teams from police stations, the Elite Force and Dolphin Force were conducting regular patrols. Continuous monitoring was also being carried out through Safe City and other camera systems.
