Islamabad Police have been provided with modern net launchers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march planned for September 27.
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According to police officials, the equipment is intended as a non-lethal method of dealing with protesters and may be used for the first time during the upcoming demonstration if protesters reach the federal capital.
Net Launcher to Help Arrest Protesters
Police said the launcher can fire a mesh net at individuals at high speed, allowing law enforcement personnel to restrain people considered potential threats.
Officials said the equipment could be used against protesters involved in damaging public property and could assist police in making arrests and responding to emergency situations.
A video released by police showed an officer demonstrating the device. According to the demonstration, the net is designed to restrict an individual’s movement and make it more difficult for the person to resist arrest.
Section 144 Imposed in Islamabad
The deployment of the equipment comes amid heightened security preparations in Islamabad.
The district administration has imposed Section 144 for two months, with the order prohibiting gatherings in the federal capital. The administration has warned that legal action would be taken against those violating the restrictions.
The order was issued under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, according to ARY News, while the administration urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and avoid unlawful activities.
Mobile and Internet Services to Be Suspended
Mobile phone and internet services are also expected to remain suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Attock on September 26 and 27 as part of security arrangements for the planned PTI march, according to sources cited by local media.
Authorities have also introduced traffic restrictions on major routes leading towards Islamabad. According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, restrictions include closures at sections of M-1, M-14 and GT Road N-5.
Security Preparations Intensify
The latest measures follow broader preparations by federal and provincial authorities ahead of the PTI’s September 27 protest.
The federal government has also authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several Punjab districts from September 20 to October 5 to assist with security and law-and-order duties.
The PTI has announced the march while demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan. The planned protest has prompted authorities to increase security measures and impose restrictions around the federal capital.
