Pakistan, Dec 22 : Pakistani authorities have deployed more than 1,300 police officers and security personnel across Rawalpindi to maintain law and order amid the possibility of protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a separate gathering by Jamaat-e-Islami at Liaquat Bagh, local media reported on Sunday, citing officials.
The heightened security measures come a day after a court sentenced PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II corruption case, triggering political tensions and calls for protest by PTI leaders.
According to officials, the deployment includes two superintendents of police, seven deputy superintendents of police, 29 inspectors and station house officers, 92 upper subordinates, and 340 constables. In addition, seven sections of Elite Force commandos, 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel, and 400 members of the Anti-Riots Management Wing have been stationed across the city.
Police have also established 32 pickets, each supervised by an upper subordinate, while Elite Force commandos are conducting patrols in sensitive areas.
PTI leaders have rejected the court verdict, describing it as politically motivated. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said Imran Khan has urged party supporters to prepare for a street movement, according to a report by The Express Tribune.
Imran Khan has also announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Islamabad High Court. “The entire nation will have to rise for its rights,” he said, as quoted by Dawn, adding that the judgment did not come as a surprise.
The Toshakhana-II case relates to the alleged purchase of an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021 at a nominal price.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency’s special court during proceedings held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.
Under the ruling, Imran Khan was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi received the same sentence. Both were also fined Rs 16.4 million each, with additional imprisonment in case of non-payment.