Red Alert declared in Islamabad after violent protests

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Authorities have declared red alert in Islamabad district after imposing section 144, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

“Paramilitary rangers will be imposed at key government buildings while armed force will be deployed at various intersections and thoroughfares of the city,” sources said.

Local authorities have vowed strict action against the people involved in damaging public and private properties. Police said that over 100 people have been arrested so far.

Rawalpindi Police have registered cases after violent protests staged by the PTI workers against arrest of the party’s chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday.

According to reports over 1000 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and leaders have been booked in various cases registered at R.A. Bazaar, Cantt Civil Line, Waris Khan, City and New Town police stations.

Cases have also been registered at Sadiqabad, Rawat, Taxila and Morgah police stations.

Two police officials, DSP Waris Khan and Mirza Tahir Sikandar have sustained serious injuries in violence by the protesters, sources said.

A former MPA Mian Akram Usman has been detained in Lahore along with his brother, a personal aide of the MPA said.

“Police conducted raid on the house of Mian Akram Usman and vandalized the premises,” secretary of the ex-MPA alleged.

The authorities have suspended cellular and Internet services in Zafarwal and adjoining areas.

Moreover, government and private academic institutions have been closed for three days in tribal district of Mohmand.