LAHORE (PEN) : In its desperate bid to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers from registering their protest on the call of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, Punjab government on Saturday followed the suit of the federal government by placing containers at different places in Lahore.
On one hand, the adamant PTI workers have vowed to reach Minar-e-Pakistan despite all odds while on the other hand, the Punjab government has sealed all roads leading to the provincial capital.
Railway station, Minar-e-Pakistan ground and general bus stand in Lahore have been turned almost into no-go areas for the PTI workers as the government has placed containers at all routes leading to these areas.
Rangers have also been deployed alongside Punjab police to ensure safety of the citizens.
Police also arrested as many as 2500 PTI workers last night after the administration declared them extremist elements while ordering arrest of more than 1590 workers.
MOTORWAYS CLOSED
Meanwhile, all motorways connecting Lahore from other cities have been closed.
Babu Sabu Interchange, Thokar Niaz Baig and entry point of Lahore-Sialkot Motorway have been sealed after being cordoned off with containers.
SECTION-144 IMPOSED
Punjab government has imposed Section-144 in Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha from Oct 4 to Oct 6 while banning all sorts of political rallies, sit-ins and protests.
In Lahore, Section-144 has been imposed since Oct 3 to Oct 8.
The Home Department Spokesperson have said that any public gathering could be a soft target fot the terrorists, adding that orders have been issued for the safety of citizens, property and ensuring law and order situation.
SECTION-144 CHALLENGED IN LHC
Meanwhile Section-144 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court by pleader Najiullah. The applicant has pleaded that imposition of Section-144 is unconstitutional and illegal, adding that constitution guarantees right of protest to citizens. He has demanded nullification of Section-144 in Lahore from the LHC.