Federal Govt Gives Islamabad Police Net Launchers for PTI March
New restraint equipment reportedly added to capital police preparations ahead of PTI’s September 27 march, with authorities focusing on arrests and protection of public property.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has provided Islamabad Police with net launchers as part of enhanced security preparations ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 march on the federal capital, according to police information shared with Islamabad Tribune.
The specialised equipment is expected to be used by the capital police to restrain individuals in situations involving resistance to police action or attempts to damage public property. According to the information provided, the equipment can rapidly deploy a restraint net around a targeted individual, limiting movement and assisting officers in taking the person into custody.
Police officials said the net launchers could prove particularly useful during arrests and emergency situations where officers face difficulty in physically restraining individuals. The equipment is intended to provide police with an additional crowd-management and restraint option during the September 27 mobilisation.
If deployed during the PTI march, this would reportedly be the first time Islamabad Police uses net launchers during a PTI protest. The precise number, model and technical specifications of the devices have not been publicly disclosed.
Security Preparations Intensify Ahead of September 27 March
The reported provision of the equipment comes as authorities intensify security preparations across Islamabad ahead of PTI’s planned march. Islamabad Police has sought thousands of additional personnel and anti-riot equipment from Punjab and Sindh, while containers and other barriers are being positioned at strategic locations around the capital. Published reports say the security strategy is expected to place significant emphasis on arrests and preventing protesters from reaching sensitive areas.
PTI has announced its march towards Islamabad for September 27, with the party linking the mobilisation to demands including the release of its jailed founder, former prime minister Imran Khan. PTI leaders have been mobilising workers for the planned demonstration, although reports indicate that detailed arrangements concerning routes and convoy movements were still being finalised as of September 22.
Security Measures Also Expanded Beyond Islamabad
Security measures are also being strengthened outside the federal capital. The Punjab government has sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali ahead of the planned march, while Islamabad Police has requested additional personnel from Punjab and Sindh.
The specific claim that the federal government has provided net launchers to Islamabad Police has not yet been independently confirmed through a publicly available official notification or statement from Islamabad Police or the Interior Ministry. Islamabad Tribune is therefore treating details concerning the equipment and its proposed deployment as attributed police information pending formal confirmation.
