Web Desk: Islamabad police have cancelled all types of leave for personnel from Friday through Oct. 10 as authorities tighten security arrangements in the federal capital amid concerns over possible political demonstrations.
The decision comes after the Islamabad High Court issued directions concerning protests and marches toward the capital, placing greater responsibility on authorities to prevent disruption of public movement and government operation.
Under the latest directive, Islamabad police personnel will remain available for duty during the period, with routine leave suspended until Oct. 10.
The move is expected to ensure sufficient manpower for security, law-and-order duties and the protection of key public installations if demonstrations take place.
The Islamabad High Court recently ruled that political parties and public officeholders do not have a lawful right to obstruct roads or prevent citizens from moving freely in the federal capital. The court also directed provincial governments to ensure that government resources and machinery are not used to facilitate political protests.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has separately directed law-enforcement agencies to take steps to prevent any attempt to disrupt public order.
In remarks cited in the background to the decision, Naqvi said authorities had been instructed to stop any activity that could lead to violence or disorder.
He also said that, following the Islamabad High Court’s ruling, there was no justification for any attempt to forcefully enter or storm the federal capital. He warned that violations of the court’s directives could lead to contempt-of-court proceedings.
The minister’s comments come as political tensions remain elevated ahead of a proposed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest and long march toward Islamabad. The high court has issued directions aimed at balancing the right to peaceful political activity with the rights of residents to move freely and access workplaces, hospitals, educational institutions and other public facilities.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police have continued strengthening security and monitoring arrangements across the capital. The force has also been instructed to maintain law and order while protecting citizens’ lives, property and dignity.
The cancellation of leave until Oct. 10 means additional police personnel will remain available during a period when authorities are preparing for possible demonstrations and heightened security requirements in Islamabad.
Read more: No one will be allowed to storm Islamabad: Mohsin Naqvi
