Quite an alarming situation developed just a few hours before the start of the PTI's public gathering at Sangjani in Islamabad today as a suspicious bag was found at the venue for the event, prompting the bomb disposal squad to search it, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

A heavy contingent of the police was also present on the occasion.

At the request of Islamabad’s district administration, the federal government has approved the deployment of 7,000 personnel of different law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) in and around Sangjani where the PTI plans to hold its power show today.  

The government has green-lighted the deployment of 1,000 Pakistan Rangers personnel, 4,000 personnel of Frontier Constabulary and 1,000 personnel of Punjab Police.

The government has also decided to procure teargas shells from Punjab and Sindh

All roads leading to Sangjani closed for traffic

As the PTI makes arrangements for its rally, the government too has decided to give the party a tough time as it has blocked all the routes leading to Sangjani, the venue for today’s event.

Containers have been placed at different spots on GT Road and Margalla Road so that the PTI workers could be prevented from entering the federal capital, while Faizabad has been sealed completely.

The 9^th Avenue, Golrra Morr, Haji Camp Chowk, Motorway Old Toll Plaza, Tarnol, Zero Point, Faisal Chowk, Khyaban Chowk, Express Chowk and Marriot Chowk have also been sealed completely.

Similarly, Serena Hotel, FATA House, NADRA Chowk, Barri Imam T-cross have also been declared off-limits for motorists.

The traffic police have asked people to look for alternate routes to reach their destinations.  

Restaurants, shops closed on administration orders

On the other hand, on the orders of the district administration, all hotels, shops, and shopping malls situated around Sangjani have been shut.

The notification, issued for the purpose, prohibits residents of the area from serving meals to the PTI workers or offering them accommodation.

The metro bus service has also been closed in Islamabad in view of today’s rally.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif